Excellent story told in the form of letters. Subtly and effectively tells a story most did not know about sacrifice survival and community during time of war.

Marvelous story, compulsively readable. The title character is a young midwife who aspires to become a surgeon. At the start of the Civil War, Mary travels to Washington DC against her families wishes to offer her services. The wartime story reveals the sacrifices made and the naivete lost for both Mary and our nation. Lively book group discussion.