Review: A Theory in Vienna by Heidi Gallacher
- Merissa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Book details:
Book Title: A Theory In Vienna
Series: No
Author Name: Heidi Gallacher
Publication Date: 28th October 2025
Publisher: The Book Guild
Pages: 305
Genre: Historical Fiction
Any Triggers: No
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‘I bring to light a truth, which was unknown for many centuries with direful results for the human race.’ – Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis.
Imagine you’d discovered something. Something that could save hundreds of thousands of lives. But they wouldn’t let you tell anyone. Wouldn’t it drive you mad?
Young Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis uncovers the real reason thousands of young women are dying after childbirth. Yet, in mid-19th century Europe, his simple methods are ridiculed. Semmelweis faces the battle of his life to convince others that the cause is simple…
Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, A Theory in Vienna brings the remarkable story of this man to life.
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The Book Guild Buy Link: https://bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/historical/a-theory-in-vienna
4 out of 5 (very good)
A THEORY IN VIENNA tells the story of Ignaz Semmelweis, and his lifelong battle to reduce the mortality rate in new mothers and babies, in a time when childbirth was very different. We follow him from Vienna to Buda, and then Pest, as he strives to make the simple change that will save so many lives.
This is a fascinating story, with Ignaz being singularly determined, even when everyone is against him. Told from Ignaz's perspective, I would have liked to have known what his friends and colleagues thought of him. The conditions they worked in and the changes he wrought are described perfectly.
Based on a true story, I found the ending heartbreaking, and I definitely want to read more about this man and his life. An intriguing and gripping story from beginning to end, I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Heidi was born in London in the Sixties. She grew up in South Wales, UK and moved to Paris as a young adult where she taught English for two years. She currently lives in Switzerland and recently completed an MA in Creative Writing.
Her first short story was published in Prima magazine (UK) in 2018. Heidi now writes historical fiction. Her first novel, Rebecca’s Choice is set in Tredelerch– an old house in Wales that belonged to her family generations ago. This novel won an award from The Coffee Pot Book Club in 2020, Debut Novel Bronze Medal.
Her second novel, A Theory in Vienna, is set in 19th century Vienna and Budapest. It tells the incredible story of unsung hero Ignaz Semmelweis, whose life-saving discovery was ridiculed at the time.
Heidi enjoys travelling (the further North the better!), singing and writing songs, and spending time reading and writing at her Swiss chalet where the views are amazing.
Author Links:
Author Page on Publisher’s Website: https://bookguild.co.uk/our-authors/heidi-gallacher
Twitter / X: https://x.com/heidigallacher
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Deejotix
Pinterest: https://pin.it/6KRlgRXOb
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Heidi-Gallacher/author/B08192R91P
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86827681
Tour hosted by: The Coffee Pot Book Club
Thank you so much for hosting Heidi Gallacher today, and for your lovely review of A Theory in Vienna. So glad you enjoyed the story. It's brilliant when a novel makes you go and do your own research into historical people and events you read about. Take care, Cathie xx The Coffee Pot Book Club