Domina

The first time I read this book, which was countless years ago, I absolutely loved it and put it on my "Best of all time" list. Make no mistake; this is a very good and engrossing book and Barbara Wood is an amazing writer. However, after hundreds of books read, I am much more cynical these days, and consequently, I found a few things this go-around that were a bit disappointing. I found that I never really got to know the heroine (Samantha) although the entire book is about her. She seemed just a bit unrealistic to me. Maybe just a little too perfect. I think since the book focuses on her, that her personality should have been a bit more defined. And her relationship with Mark Rawlins (supposedly the love of her life) was a bit superficial to me. There was just so much you are supposed to assume. You really can't follow along in their romance. At least not smoothly. You have to sort of make jumps and leaps. I got the impression that romance is not Ms. Wood's best suit. But since the book is about so much more and most of the storyline surrounding the romance is still very interesting, you don't really mind the lack of attention to the details regarding the romance. The thing that really bothered me was the three year jump ahead from New York to San Francisco. She leaves NY pregnant on one page and then the next she is putting flowers on the grave of her one year old daughter who died from some disease. You never get to know the baby so therefore really can't feel the pain that seems superficially portrayed. It makes you wonder why her pregnancy and child's death was even a part of the story. It seems to me that making Jenny her natural daughter would have made more sense. And then there was her reunion with Mark. I mean; what a letdown. I just think that could have been done so much better. And Mark's wife was just beyond unrealistic; especially in her acceptance of the situation. And I thought the courtroom drama, which to me was actually the best part of the book, should have been more in depth. However, these are the minor complaints that I really didn't notice on my first read. But this book is still an excellent read. I truly enjoyed it and consider it a real keeper and one I will definitely read again.

Barbara Wood is an amazing writer. She pulls you right into the story from the very beginning. Be prepared to not want to put the book down.

It was very interesting to see how women were treated in the 1800’s, and the misperceptions about women’s “frailties” ( like they’re mentally unstable during their periods!). The struggle of Domina to be accepted to a “men’s medical school” and the reluctance of the world to accept a female doctor were enlightening. The rest of the story was less enlightening, rather predictable

This is one of my favorite books! It is unfortunately an out-of-print book but a lovely beach summer read or a cold winters night read. It is well written and though fictional period piece it does touch on factual history of the time. I read it 3 times in my early 20's and then lent my copy to a friend. Well, over a decade later, it is time to read again and I just started it again while at the neighborhood pool. I also even re-purchased another used copy to share in my book club's book swap last week. I can't wait to read it again with the recipient of the swap!

I checked this book out of the library years ago & never finished it, so I recently purchased a copy. If you read The Gilded Hour or watched The Knick, you’ll love this book!If you’ve never heard of those, read it anyway! :)

What an outstanding story from start to finish! Very inspiring! It shows the difficult times yet determination and courage this woman had in pursuing her passion in life. I just purchased this book for a young woman who is having some difficulty getting the career she loves but still has the determination to keep working at it. I know this will keep her inspired and determined never to give up for something she so passionately wants to do in her life! The people who I know have read it just couldn't put it down and stated it was one of their favorites. This is definitely a book you must read!

I have read many Barbara Wood books and enjoyed each one. I found this book mesmerizing and devoured it, but, as another reviewer wrote, it was like Wood forgot to write an ending to the story! The end was an after thought and leaves the reader confused, at least for me.

Thought I was buying history storied as fiction This is softporn My mistake not noticing who wrote the reviews If you like that this is a great book not my cup of tea

Another bestseller from Barbara Wood.Liked Domina very much. Brings characters to life and you feel like you are part of the story.Could not put it down. Love Barbara Wood books, read few of her books already. Also Highly recomend "Soul Flame".Five big stars for DOMINA

What a gifted writer. From the first page this book grips the imagination and it is on the mind when not reading it, so that as soon as possible you pick it up again! Now I intend to buy more copies to give to my family and friends, one of the best stories I have read for years and I read a lot.

Lovely book

Brilliant book. I first read it years ago and keep coming back to read it again and again! Thoroughly recommend this book!

Excellent Book - Superb read for everyone highly recommended.