In her compelling debut novel, The Resurrectionist, A Rae Dunlap masterfully weaves historical fact with gothic fiction to create a spine-tingling narrative set in 1828 Edinburgh. The story follows James Willoughby, a privileged Oxford dropout who ventures north to pursue his dreams of becoming a surgeon, only to find himself entangled in the macabre world of body snatching and medical advancement. Through James’s eyes, we witness the collision between scientific progress and moral boundaries in an era when the demand for anatomical knowledge far outstripped the legal supply of cadavers.
Plot & Narrative Excellence
Dunlap demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining tension throughout the novel while balancing multiple narrative threads. The story begins as a classic fish-out-of-water tale, with James navigating the unfamiliar territory of Edinburgh’s medical community. However, it quickly evolves into something far more complex when he meets the enigmatic Aneurin “Nye” MacKinnon, a talented anatomist with dangerous connections to the city’s underground body-snatching trade.
The author excels at pacing, gradually escalating the stakes as James becomes more deeply involved in the resurrectionist business. Each night raid and grave robbery serves to pull him further from his privileged past and deeper into Nye’s dangerous world. The tension reaches its crescendo with the introduction of the historically accurate villains Burke and Hare, whose murderous scheme threatens not only James and Nye’s livelihood but their very lives.
Character Development & Relationships
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development, particularly that of James Willoughby. His transformation from naive Oxford student to accomplished resurrectionist feels organic and believable. The internal conflict between his moral upbringing and his growing acceptance of body snatching as a necessary evil for medical advancement is particularly well-rendered.
The relationship between James and Nye forms the emotional core of the story. Dunlap handles their growing attraction with subtlety and grace, allowing their connection to develop naturally through shared experiences and mutual understanding. The romance never overshadows the main plot but rather enriches it, adding depth to both characters’ motivations and choices.
Historical Accuracy & Research
Dunlap’s attention to historical detail is impressive. Her portrayal of 1828 Edinburgh feels authentic, from the gritty description of the Old Town’s wynds and closes to the political tensions surrounding the medical community. The integration of real historical figures like Burke, Hare, and Dr. Knox adds credibility to the narrative while providing a solid foundation for the fictional elements.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is generally well-crafted, there are a few areas where it could have been strengthened:
- The secondary characters, particularly the female ones, could have been more fully developed
- Some of the medical terminology and procedures might be overwhelming for casual readers
- The resolution feels slightly rushed compared to the carefully paced build-up
Writing Style & Atmosphere
The author’s prose is rich and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the gothic mood of 19th-century Edinburgh. Her descriptions of anatomical procedures and grave-robbing expeditions are detailed without being gratuitous, striking a delicate balance between historical accuracy and readability.
Impact & Relevance
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap tackles themes that remain relevant today:
- The ethics of medical research and bodily autonomy
- Class privilege and social mobility
- The conflict between progress and tradition
- LGBTQ+ representation in historical contexts
Similar Works & Genre Context
Fans of historical fiction with gothic elements will find much to appreciate here. The novel sits comfortably alongside works like:
- Shelley’s Frankenstein
- Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith
- Michel Faber’s The Crimson Petal and the White
Final Verdict
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap is an impressive debut that successfully combines historical fact, gothic horror, and romantic elements into a compelling narrative. Despite some minor flaws, Dunlap has created a richly detailed world populated by complex characters facing moral dilemmas that resonate with modern readers.
The novel’s greatest achievement is its ability to make readers sympathize with characters engaged in objectively grotesque activities, forcing us to consider the complex relationship between scientific progress and ethical boundaries. This, combined with the authentic historical setting and well-crafted romance, makes The Resurrectionist a standout addition to the historical fiction genre.
Recommended for:
- Fans of historical fiction with gothic elements
- Readers interested in medical history
- Those who enjoy morally complex characters
- Anyone fascinated by the darker side of scientific progress
Not recommended for:
- Readers sensitive to medical procedures
- Those seeking light historical romance
- People who prefer straightforward heroes and villains
- Individuals uncomfortable with body horror elements
Author’s Background & Future Potential
As a debut novelist, A Rae Dunlap shows remarkable promise. Her background in film and current position as a trailer editor at Disney has clearly influenced her ability to craft compelling scenes and maintain narrative tension. This first offering suggests she has the potential to become a significant voice in historical fiction, particularly in stories that blend fact with gothic elements.
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap marks an impressive entry into the literary world, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to see what Dunlap produces next. Her skill in bringing historical events to life while maintaining emotional resonance suggests a bright future in historical fiction.
