Quick Take

When The Doctor's Wife was first published in 1864, Mary Elizabeth Braddon was well known for her scandalous bestseller, Lady Audley's Secret. Adultery, death, and the spectacle of female recrimination and suffering are the elements that combine to make The Doctor's Wife a classic women's 'sensation' novel. Yet it is also Braddon's most self-consciously literary work and her rewriting of Madame Bovary. Like Emma Bovary, Braddon's heroine, Isabel Gilbert, is trapped in a marriage to a man incapable of understanding her imaginative life. But Braddon's novel differs vastly from Flaubert's in the nature and consequences of Isabel's 'affair'.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Doctor's Wife

Introduction

"The Doctor's Wife" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a Victorian women's 'sensation' novel that explores themes of adultery, death, and female suffering. Published in 1864, the novel differs vastly from Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" in the nature and consequences of the protagonist's affair. Braddon, a prolific British writer during the Victorian era, sought to branch out from her popular sensation novels and prove her literary skills with this work.

About Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Mary Elizabeth Braddon, the author of "The Doctor's Wife," was a prominent British novelist during the Victorian era. Known for her inventive plots and prolific writing, Braddon produced over 75 novels throughout her career. Her most famous work, "Lady Audley's Secret," established her reputation and fortune. Braddon also founded "Belgravia Magazine" and edited "Temple Bar Magazine." Despite facing criticism from some reviewers and authors during her time, Braddon's legacy remains tied to the Sensation Fiction of the 1860s.

Analysis of Views

Enjoyable Story: Many readers found the book enjoyable, despite not being a page-turner or as shocking as Braddon's other works like "Lady Audley's Secret." The story was seen as a unique and interesting read.
Comparison to Madame Bovary: Readers compared "The Doctor's Wife" to Flaubert's "Madame Bovary," noting similarities in themes and storylines. However, they also highlighted differences in the nature and consequences of the protagonist's affair, as well as Braddon's approach to the subject matter.
Literary References: The book was praised for its literary references and allusions to famous authors and works. Readers appreciated the constant barrage of references to literature, writers, artists, and social conventions of the time. This aspect added depth and complexity to the story.
Character Development: The characters in the novel were generally well-received, particularly Isabel Sleaford, the protagonist. Readers appreciated her passion for literature and her dreamy nature. However, some felt that Isabel's naivety and lack of practicality were overemphasized, making her character less believable.
Sensation Fiction Elements: Although not as sensational as Braddon's other works, "The Doctor's Wife" still incorporated elements of sensation fiction. Readers enjoyed the plot twists and the exploration of scandalous themes such as adultery and social conventions of the time.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique Storytelling: Readers appreciated the unique narrative structure of the book, particularly the shift in perspective from the doctor to his wife. This provided a fresh perspective on the story and added depth to the characters.
Literary References: The inclusion of literary references and allusions enriched the reading experience for many readers. They found it enjoyable to identify and appreciate these references throughout the story.
Character Development: Isabel Sleaford's character was widely praised for her passion for literature and her dreamy nature. Readers found her relatable and sympathetic, particularly in her struggles with her marriage and her longing for a romantic life beyond it.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive Writing: Some readers found the writing repetitive and tedious, particularly in terms of the protagonist's naive fancies and romantic views of life and death. They felt that Braddon repeated similar ideas and sentences throughout the novel, which made for a monotonous reading experience.
Lack of Surprises: While readers appreciated the plot twists and exploration of scandalous themes, they felt that the novel lacked surprises or shocking moments similar to those found in Braddon's other works like "Lady Audley's Secret." This made it less engaging for some readers.

Conclusion

"The Doctor's Wife" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a Victorian women's 'sensation' novel that explores themes of adultery, death, and female suffering. While it may not be as shocking or page-turning as some of Braddon's other works, it offers a unique narrative structure and rich literary references that add depth to the story. Readers appreciate Isabel Sleaford's character development and her passion for literature, but some find the writing repetitive and lacking in surprises. Overall, "The Doctor's Wife" provides an interesting read for those interested in Victorian literature and sensation fiction.