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That Bonesetter Woman

the new feelgood novel from the author of The Smallest Man

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That Bonesetter Woman

By: Frances Quinn
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
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About this listen

 ‘What a heroine Endurance Proudfoot is! I loved her from the start. An unconventional woman who takes us on a fascinating - if bumpy - ride through a man’s world. I laughed, cried and most of all cheered! Can’t stop thinking about it… an absolute cruncher of a tale’ Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal

'A complete joy of a novel that, like it’s wonderful protagonist’s namesake, is a story of endurance against all odds. Full of heart and so eloquently written, THAT BONESETTER WOMAN had me cheering Durie on from start to finish - I absolutely loved it' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora
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It’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all.

Meet Endurance Proudfoot: clumsy as a carthorse, strong as an ox, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie wants one thing in life: to become a bonesetter like her father. It’s physically demanding work, requiring nerves of steel, and he’s adamant it’s not a job for a woman.

Strong-willed and stubborn, Durie’s certain that in bonesetting, her big, usually clumsy hands have found their natural calling. So when she’s bundled off to London with her beautiful sister, she won’t let it stop her realising her dream. As her sister finds fame on the stage, Durie becomes England’s most celebrated bonesetter – but what goes up must come down, and her success may become her undoing.

Inspired by the true stories of two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities, That Bonesetter Woman is an uplifting tale about finding the courage to go your own way, when everyone says you can’t – and about realising that what makes you different can also make you strong.
 Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Magical Realism Women's Fiction Fantasy England Magic Heartfelt Dream

Critic reviews

'Among the most impressive historical fiction out this July is Frances Quinn's That Bonesetter Woman (Simon & Schuster), based on a real story about two sisters in Georgian London, one who is desperate to be a female bonesetter and the other who is a determined social climber'
‘Quinn’s second book is a true celebration of courage, resilience and embracing being different’
‘Endurance Proudfoot is an enduring heroine and her story is told with wit and warmth’
‘[An] intriguing tale, told with wit and compassion’
'This rambunctious ride of a book mixes historical fact with a really memorable lead character (I completely fell in love with her!). Endurance Proudfoot wants to be a bonesetter like her father and won’t let the fact that she’s a woman get in her way. Entertaining historical fiction'
'The narrative is fast-moving and lively… this is an enjoyable read, feminist history which does not neglect sources of humour or romance. It deserves to be reach a wide audience'
'Frances Quinn’s debut novel, The Smallest Man, was about a dwarf in the employ of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. That Bonesetter Woman shares similar themes about being an outsider trying to succeed in a hostile society. Like The Smallest Man it is written with a warmth and tenderness for the characters that makes it irresistible'
'This second novel by the author of historical hit The Smallest Man takes its inspiration from two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities. Endurance Proudfoot is determined to go into the family trade and become a bonesetter, despite being a woman. But when she finds herself packed off to London with her sister, disgraced beauty Lucinda, the pair embark on a rollercoaster adventure'
All stars
Most relevant
an engaging winding tale. very easy listening. very well read! definitely recommend , the characters are in your head

enjoyable

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I loved this book, so uplifting and interesting about when ahead of their time, just so enjoyable to listen to, going to look at the authors other book. btge narrator is excellent too😁

wonderful book, loved it so much

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This historical fiction based loosely on a lady who had been a bonesetter was captivating. It was fascinating to be taken back to the late 1700 and learn about the medical practices that went on, as well as the profession of bonesetters.

All the characters were well drawn and you are pulled into the story early on, probably by the fabulous narration. The plight of women from this period was shocking, but there were some gutsy ladies in this book.

Highly recommend.

Based around a true story,

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With a fascinating and lovable heroine who you can’t help root for, this novel really evokes Georgian London and its myriad of characters and settings.

There’s diabolical villainy, complex family dynamics and genuinely affecting emotional drama, all wrapped up in a plot which rattles along. The kind of book you don’t want to finish. Great stuff!

Cracking (literally) tale of Georgian London

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Loved the characters and finding that Drury and Lucinda are based on real life women who did it their way. The character development was interesting whereby the reader came to understand and empathise through Drurys own development. Very enjoyable narrator.

Depiction of C18th Women's life.

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