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That Bonesetter Woman

By: Frances Quinn
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
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Summary

The astonishing new novel by Frances Quinn, coming February 2025.

‘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

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.

©2022 Frances Quinn (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK
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Critic reviews

"Durie Proudfoot is a brilliant heroine: stubborn, flawed and so entertaining to spend time with. I loved every step of her journey, and Frances Quinn is fast becoming one of my favourite historical novelists." (Louise Hare)

"Filled with hope and humour, That Bonesetter Woman is a novel that truly champions the underdog. I devoured it with as much gusto as the inimitable heroine sets people’s bones." (Polly Crosby)

What listeners say about That Bonesetter Woman

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Loved it! And the narration!

I’ve really been in a reading rut lately, but this got me out of it. The story is great, the narration is awesome.

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3 people found this helpful

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A wonderful Character

I loved this book and didn't want it to end. Endurance is such a wonderful character with an interesting story to tell. Such an uplifting read

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Compelling story, beautifully read

Highly original story, which was pleasing in every way, both beautifully written and read. Bravo!

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What a Surprise!

This book caught my eye in the '2 for 1' sale.
To be perfectly honest, it was the cover that initially piqued my interest and then the reviews.
I thought that Durie was an incredible character and I found myself both cheering her on, and then actually shouting at my 'Alexa', after her naivety and incredible innocence put her in the most awkward situations, making me actually cringe.
The entire cast of characters and the settings were extremely well portrayed. The story was believable, it was entertaining and it left me wanting more. So much so, that I now intend to look for more works by this author.
This book is excellent... give it a go. I refuse to divulge any more than that about the story. If you want to know what happens, either read it, or listen to it yourself, you won't be disappointed.
The explanation at the end, about where the idea for the book had come from was fascinating.

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Engaging characters

Loved this book. The characters were endearing and the story line was interesting. A good perspective on women’s lives at that point in history.

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3 people found this helpful

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Very enjoyable

Loved the underlying focus on the situation of women at that time and the struggle they had to improve their lives

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Loved it

Loved the story, nice and simple characterisation. then listening to the authors notes and was really interested to go find out more about the source of her inspiration.

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Excellent!

Brilliant narrator and a really great story. Loved every minute and didn't want it to end.

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3 people found this helpful

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Lovely story of good over bad.

I really enjoyed this story. The narration was good and clear. The authors note at the end much appreciated.

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Unexpectedly wonderful

Didn't know what I'd make of this but I loved it. Great story and characters and lots to resonate with current day life. Durie's resilience, simplicity and resolve in the face of blow after blow is an example for many of us to uphold.

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