Description: At the turn of the 19th century, young, beautiful Mary Ann Bulkeley gives birth to a red-headed baby girl of uncertain paternity. Before the sensitive tomboy is 10 years old the family determines she should be raised and schooled as a boy. So begins this provocative, illuminating novel, based on a true story, which takes the cross-dressing child genius to medical school in Edinburgh, Scotland, and then around the world. During his travels, James challenges the antiquated medical beliefs of the time, fights off outbreaks of cholera and yellow fever, and duels reluctantly over a young woman's honor. The one thing he always carries with him is an enduring affection for Alice Jones, the dark-headed kitchen girl from his childhood. In her company his mysterious origins are finally revealed in The Doctor's intriguing, anguished finale.

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