The Scarlet Ribbon

Book excerpt: A tale of love, death, and medicine in 18th century Dublin The Scarlet Ribbon follows James Quinn, a young Irish surgeon battling prejudice, suspicion, and personal demons in his controversial quest to change the face of medicine. Following his marriage, tragedy strikes, thrusting James into a life of turmoil and despair. Throwing himself into his work, the young surgeon eventually begins to find solace in the most unexpected of places. From the backstreets of Paris, through the glittering social whirl of London, and finally back to Ireland again, this is a story of the thorns of love and the harsh reality of life in the 18th century, where nothing is simple and complications of all kinds surround James Quinn, man midwife.