Janet E. (jee) reviewed Scanty Particulars: The Scandalous Life and Astonishing Secret of James Barry, Queen Victoria's Most Eminent Military Doctor on + 89 more book reviews
As someone interested in the history of medicine I have always wanted to learn more about this woman. Rachel Holmes has done a great deal of research into every aspect of Dr. Barry including her possible origins. Where the book falls down is trying to explain why someone would spend their whole life in disguise. Forensic psychology is an iffy field at best and Miss Holmes should have stayed with what facts she did have. None the less an interesting read.
