The Story

Meet the Lornan sisters: Marguerite, the passionate and stubborn one, and Marie, the more cautious and gentle soul. Both have set their hearts on becoming doctors in early 1900s France. The book follows their grueling journey—the late-night study sessions, the condescending professors, the snide comments from peers who believe they don't belong. They face more than academic challenges; they're fighting against their family's expectations and the societal rulebook that demands they choose between a career and a family. Their personal relationships and their own sisterly bond are tested as they push against these rigid boundaries.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me most was how modern the sisters' struggle feels. Yver doesn't paint them as flawless heroes; they get tired, they doubt themselves, and they sometimes clash. You feel their frustration and their small victories deeply. The book is less about grand pronouncements on feminism and more about the quiet, daily courage it takes to walk into a room where no one wants you. It’s a powerful look at the personal cost of ambition in a world that isn't ready for it.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories about people defying the odds. If you enjoyed novels like 'The Signature of All Things' or 'Lessons in Chemistry' for their focus on women in science, you’ll find a fascinating historical predecessor here. It’s a compelling, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding read about the first cracks in the glass ceiling.