Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3300065 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

Interesting subject but this is not a novel!
Margaret Bulkley is an interesting subject, definitely worthy of a book. However, she is not in capable hands with Ms. Towne. This novel reads more like a biography and a dry one at that. I was sufficiently interested in Margaret/James's story to complete the novel, but I highly doubt that this novel would hold the attention of even a very keen young adult reader (the intended audience). Margaret is apparently assisted and encouraged in her disguise by two prominent British men, but the author doesn't really make their motivation clear. We are told that they are both supporters of the emancipation of women, but their personal interest in Margaret is not at all convincingly portrayed. Margaret Bulkley is worthy of a better book than this.

With A Silent Companion
I found the book very interesting and informative. Ms Town has portrayed Margaret Bulkley as a very tanacious person. As each chapter commenced I eagerly read on wondering if the masquarade would be exposed. The book provides educational information as to the struggles of an ordinary person in a difficult situation. All of us can learn from her adventure. Hats off to Ms Town for an enlightening and entertaining book.

A fascinating historical novel.
In With A Silent Companion, novelist Florida Ann Town recounts the remarkable journey of Margaret Anne Bulkley, a young woman born in nineteenth-century Ireland. Margaret's heart is broken by the constant threat of poverty, but her spirit is awakened by the challenge of two gentlemen. She enrolls in medicine at Edinburgh University and, after years of dedicated study, becomes a surgeon. Margaret's struggle and triumph is made all the more exceptional because she does it disguised as a man. With A Silent Companion is inspired by a true story uncovered by years of meticulous research into the life of Margaret Anne Bulkley (a.k.a. Dr. James Barry). This is an intriguing, fascinating, historical novel of gender, poverty, determination, and accomplishment. This is the stuff of which movies and mini-series are made. Highly recommended.