The Book of Madness and Cures

The Book of Madness and Cures: A Novel by Regina O’ Melveny

In 1590, Venetian woman, Dr. Gabriella Mondini, finds herself losing the very thing she absolutely holds dear, her ability to practice medicine.

The men in the community had never been supportive of Gabriella, and with her father being gone for the past ten years they feel there is no one to monitor her and that they no longer have to do honor such a doctorship.

It’s not fair.

Gabriells is furious, but knows what she must do. She must find her father, a feat that will be near impossible as she has no clue where he is.

She has letters from his travels and search to complete The Book of Diseases, but even they do not hold a clear path.

Aided by her friend and servant; the women set off in search of the other Dr. Mondini.

Thoughts After Reading:

So I did not like this book.

My biggest issue with it was the character of Gabriella.

Now I understand that Gabriella is women in 16th century Venice and a doctor; but that doesn’t mean you have to make her character like a block of wood.

NO emotion = BORING!

Everything was stilted and emotionless. This is not what you should do with a main character. We have to connect to them, feel for them, understand them, become a part of them and their lives; and I felt that this book did not do that at all. I couldn’t stand Gabriella.

For more mysteries set in Italy, go to The Italian Wife

For more historical fiction novels, go to The Midwife’s Tale

For more not in a series mystery, go to Where Are You Now?

For more mysteries, go to Carrot Cake Murder