Bonesetter: a person who treats or sets fractures, broken or dislocated bones, or the like, especially one who is not a regular physician or surgeon; healer

Meet Endurance (Durie) Proudfoot — strong as an ox, clumsy and cack-handed, except for when she is doing the one thing she loves ... but whoever heard of a female bonesetter?

Durie wants only one thing in life, to become a bonesetter like her father. It's physically demanding work and he's adamant it's not a job for a woman. So when she finds herself bundled off to London with her pregnant sister, she takes the opportunity to follow her dream. As Lucinda finds fame on the stage, Durie becomes England's most celebrated bonesetter.  

While all the characters in this book are fictitious Endurance and Lucinda Proudfoot were inspired by two of Georgian England's most famous celebrities. Sally Mapp was a bonesetter who became famous in eighteenth century England. Holding consultations in a coffee house, she upset the medical fraternity who called her a quack and she features in an engraving by Hogarth depicting her as such. She married a footman who left her after a week taking a hundred guineas of her money with him.  Also known as Crazy Sally for her eccentric ways and short temper, she eventually died so poor she had to be buried by the parish. (Durie's story has  a much happier ending.) Lavinia Fenton was  one of the most famous actresses in Georgian England. Known for her role in the Beggar's Opera, pictures of her sold like hot cakes and songs and poems were written about her. Catching the eye of the Duke of Bolton, she retired from acting to become his mistress and had three sons with him. When his wife died they shocked English society by getting married.

I loved this book, learning about bonesetters, an occupation I knew nothing about and about the real life people who inspired the book. A  feelgood read about following your own path no matter what  others tell you and realising how your difference can also be your strength.

Left on a wall outside of Kingsway and Newton Residents Association, Kingsway, Chester.