Edinburgh, 1828. The cobblestone streets are slick with rain, and in the shadows of the ancient kirkyards, a macabre trade flourishes. This is the atmospheric setting A. Rae Dunlap crafts for her debut novel, The Resurrectionist—a story that expertly weaves historical fact with fiction to create a thrilling tale of scientific pursuit, forbidden love, and murder most foul.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story follows James Willoughby, a privileged Oxford dropout who arrives in Edinburgh with dreams of becoming a surgeon. His path crosses with Aneurin “Nye” MacKinnon, a charismatic dissectionist who introduces James to the underground world of the Resurrectionists—those who procure corpses for medical study through less-than-legal means. What begins as a desperate arrangement to fund his education evolves into a complex web of moral dilemmas, dangerous alliances, and an unexpected romance.
Dunlap’s plotting is masterful, maintaining suspense while carefully layering historical detail. The pacing accelerates smoothly from James’s initial introduction to Edinburgh’s medical underworld to the heart-pounding climax involving the notorious murderers Burke and Hare. The story’s structure, told through James’s first-person narrative, allows readers to experience his gradual descent into moral ambiguity alongside his growing attraction to Nye.
Character Development and Relationships
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its richly drawn characters. James’s transformation from naive student to accomplished surgeon and determined lover is believable and compelling. His internal struggles with morality, family expectations, and sexual identity are handled with nuance and depth.
Nye emerges as a fascinating figure—part trickster, part tragic hero, and part romantic lead. His complex motivations and carefully guarded vulnerabilities make him a memorable character who transcends typical gothic archetypes. The chemistry between James and Nye builds naturally through shared dangers and intellectual discourse, making their romance feel both inevitable and earned.
Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, from the pragmatic Mary Paterson to the dubious Hamish. Even historical figures like Burke, Hare, and Dr. Knox are portrayed with complexity rather than caricature.
Historical Accuracy and Research
Dunlap’s attention to historical detail is impressive. Her portrayal of 1828 Edinburgh feels authentic, from the medical practices to the social hierarchies. The author’s research shines particularly in:
The accurate depiction of anatomical education practices
The complex legal and social issues surrounding body procurement
The historical facts of the Burke and Hare murders
The period-appropriate medical terminology and procedures
Writing Style and Atmosphere
Dunlap’s prose is elegant yet accessible, with a gothic flair that never becomes purple. She excels at creating atmosphere, whether describing:
The dank darkness of Edinburgh’s kirkyards
The clinical precision of the dissection theater
The intimate warmth of private moments between James and Nye
The mounting tension of dangerous encounters
Critical Analysis
While the novel is predominantly successful, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows when focusing on medical details
Some secondary plot threads, particularly involving James’s family, feel slightly underdeveloped
The resolution of certain political elements of the story seems somewhat convenient
However, these are minor criticisms in an otherwise accomplished work.
Representation and Themes
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap handles its themes with sophistication:
The conflict between scientific progress and traditional morality
Class dynamics in Victorian society
The nature of love and desire in a repressive era
The price of ambition and the cost of knowledge
The complex interplay between justice and power
The queer romance is particularly well-handled, neither sensationalized nor sanitized, but presented as a natural part of the historical landscape.
Comparable Works and Literary Context
Fans of similar historical fiction with gothic elements might enjoy:
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
Final Verdict
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap is an impressive debut that successfully combines historical accuracy, romantic tension, and gothic horror. The novel’s few weaknesses are far outweighed by its strengths in characterization, atmosphere, and compelling narrative.
Recommendations
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
Historical fiction with gothic elements
LGBTQ+ romance in historical settings
Medical history
True crime elements
Complex moral dilemmas
Impact and Significance
The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap makes a valuable contribution to historical fiction by illuminating a fascinating period in medical history while exploring timeless themes of love, ambition, and morality. It’s particularly significant for its natural integration of queer characters into historical narrative without making their identity the central conflict.
Final Thoughts
A. Rae Dunlap has crafted an impressive debut that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the subject matter might not appeal to squeamish readers, those who appreciate gothic historical fiction with a dash of romance will find much to admire in this well-researched and elegantly crafted novel. It’s a promising start from an author to watch.