Review of The Path Beneath Her Feet

[Leslie coccia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Path Beneath Her Feet" by Janis Robinson Daly.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“The Path Beneath Her Feet” by Janis Robinson Daly is a wonderful historical fiction book that is the sequel to “The Unlocked Path.” It tells the story of fifty-seven-year-old Dr. Eliza Edwards, who owns a clinic with her best friend and former classmate Dr. Olga Povitsky. Beginning in the spring of 1936 in Boston, she grapples with finding work during the Great Depression, and is in the midst of spiritual growth throughout her plight. Along the way, with the help of her sisters in medicine, she hones her medical skills, traverses family challenges, finds love, and has successful ventures in Georgia, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.

“The Path Beneath Her Feet” is an incredible book that is hard to put down. I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The plot is thoroughly engrossing, without being predictable. One of my favorite parts about the plot is the historical elements that Daly has written so beautifully. It’s easy to get immersed in Eliza’s daily life during the Depression and throughout World War II and to have empathy for her joys and sorrows. There are also chapters that mark real historical events, which is an interesting and pleasant addition.

The novel’s character development is well done. The course of the relationship between Eliza and Olga is written with great nuance. When Dr. Edwards begins her journey in Jellico, Tenessee, the dynamics between her and Dr. Lillian South are enjoyable. They are true to life, as Dr. South is stern but caring, and Eliza adjusts to the new role. When Eliza meets Chet Wilson during her time in Jellico, their relationship is sweet and tender. There are so many characters that it could get overwhelming for readers, but the author has woven the plot together in a way that doesn’t leave any unanswered questions. Because of this, I think it would also make a great movie. Furthermore, there are no editing errors in the book. The plot twists are fun to read and add to the novel’s appeal.

“The Path Beneath Her Feet” will appeal to historical fiction readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist and her fight to overcome obstacles. It’s well suited for readers who aren’t squeamish about medical terms and graphic references to various medical issues. The book is richly detailed and stands out amongst other fiction in its genre.

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The Path Beneath Her Feet
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