this book was good for a first book, but a bit weak on plot. It certainly gives a graphic, up-close view of civil war era medical practices, and a clear view that we lacked a lot of knowledge. Overall our group liked this book more for what we learned about the civil war and about medical practices of the time than for the story. Mary herself is a compelling character, but does not seem to really grow or change much throughout the book. There were several other characters who could have used more development; these were also left unresolved at the end of the book.