"My Name is Mary Sutter" is a historical fiction novel by American author Robin Oliveira, first published in 2010. The novel is set during the American Civil War and follows the story of Mary Sutter, a young midwife from Albany, New York who dreams of becoming a surgeon.
The novel explores the challenges faced by women who sought to break into the male-dominated field of medicine during the mid-19th century. Mary travels to Washington D.C. to volunteer as a nurse, but is met with resistance due to her gender. Determined to achieve her dream of becoming a surgeon, Mary faces many obstacles and setbacks along the way, but perseveres despite the odds.
Along with Mary's personal story, the novel also depicts the horrors of the Civil War and the impact it had on those who fought and those who were left behind. The novel touches on themes such as love, loss, sacrifice, and the struggle for equality.
"My Name is Mary Sutter" was well-received by critics upon its publication, and has been praised for its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and vivid depiction of life during the Civil War. The novel has been compared to other works of historical fiction, such as "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell and "Cold Mountain" by Charles Frazier.