I was deeply intrigued by this book because the history of body snatching is such a fascinating yet relatively unknown topic, despite being extensively documented. It’s no secret that stolen cadavers played a significant role in advancing medical science. However, a major frustration I had with this book was its lack of attention to who was most impacted by these practices. Perhaps my knowledge on the subject isn’t as strong as I thought, given that this book is set in Scotland rather than the U.S. But in the American context, body snatchers primarily targeted the poor, the homeless, and disproportionately, Black communities. When discussing this topic, it feels essential to address those disparities.

The author briefly mentions the frustrations body snatchers faced with wealthier families, but the coverage was so brief that it felt insufficient. I also struggled with the book’s overall premise, which leaned toward an apologetic view of body snatchers. While I can understand that some may have had motivations similar to Malstrom’s crew, it seems unlikely that this was the norm. Regardless, the argument that the wishes of the deceased and their families should be disregarded in the name of scientific progress is a deeply unsettling one. People deserve respect in death, and even though Malstrom’s crew claims to provide it, their actions still violate those wishes.

There was one moment in the book where James expresses his disagreement with body snatchers but acknowledges their motivations, pointing out that the true culprits of this tragedy were the government and universities that refused to reform how cadavers were obtained. This perspective resonates with me. If body snatchers and anatomists with influence had used their energy to push for systemic change instead of desecrating graves, the outcomes might have been very different.

Ultimately, I struggle with the idea of condoning body snatching, even in the name of “progress.” While I understand that this wasn’t necessarily the book’s central argument, it’s a moral conflict I couldn’t shake. That said, the author does an excellent job weaving in the true story of Burke and Hare, effectively illustrating how, when bodies are in high demand, some individuals will resort to even more extreme methods than grave robbing.

For me, James and Aneurin’s story was the saving grace of this book. I appreciated the author’s note at the end, which added depth to their relationship and brought a more personal touch to the narrative.

In the end, I just wish the book had focused more on the harsh realities of body snatching rather than leaning toward romanticizing or justifying it.