Immortality: A Love Story Summary, Characters and Themes

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz is a dark historical fantasy steeped in gothic atmosphere, philosophical inquiry, and feminist resolve. 

The novel follows Hazel Sinnett, a fiercely intelligent young surgeon navigating early 19th-century British society, where women in medicine are viewed with suspicion. After tragedy and transformation in the preceding novel (Anatomy: A Love Story), Hazel finds herself entangled with secret immortality cults, the British royal family, and her long-lost love, Jack. This novel blends romance, science, and ethical quandaries, asking: What are we willing to sacrifice to live forever—and what does it mean to truly live?

Summary

The story begins with a chilling prologue set in Revolutionary France, where chemist Antoine Lavoisier is executed during the Reign of Terror. 

Before his death, his wife Marie-Anne secretly passes him a mysterious vial, hinting at early scientific attempts to defy mortality. Her quiet rescue of his research sets the stage for the central theme: immortality, and the cost of pursuing it.

Fast forward to Edinburgh in 1818, where Hazel Sinnett—now a rogue surgeon—practices medicine outside the formal institutions that reject her due to her gender. Isolated at her family estate, Hazel treats the city’s poor and writes an anatomy treatise. 

Haunted by the loss of Jack Currer, her former love who died at the gallows, she clings to hope after receiving a mysterious letter suggesting he might still be alive.

Hazel’s life takes a sudden turn when she is summoned to London to assist with Princess Charlotte’s medical care. 

At court, Hazel navigates the pompous indifference of elite doctors and the veil of secrecy around the princess’s declining health. She suspects Charlotte is being subjected to experimental treatments—and possibly poisoned. As Hazel’s suspicion grows, she begins to uncover connections between the royal family and a secretive society obsessed with immortality.

Hazel is invited into the orbit of the Companions to the Death, an underground group of immortals led by Marie-Anne Lavoisier. 

This clandestine group includes historical figures like Lord Byron and Voltaire, their longevity preserved by a powerful elixir known as the Tincture. 

Hazel is offered the Tincture but refuses, troubled by the group’s cold disregard for human life. 

Though she does not become immortal, she earns a place among them as a healer—an uneasy ally rather than a true believer.

Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte’s condition deteriorates and she dies under mysterious circumstances. 

Hazel is dismissed, scapegoated for the tragedy. Emotionally shattered, she begins to question her role in a world where medical power and immortality are tools of oppression rather than compassion. Her resolve hardens: she will no longer serve systems that exploit life in the name of preserving it.

As Hazel prepares to leave London and return to her own path, Jack reemerges—very much alive. 

Having survived his execution thanks to the Companions’ intervention, Jack has been in hiding. His immortality has become a curse, severing him from Hazel and the normal life he craves. 

Their reunion is bittersweet: their love endures, but Jack’s condition casts a shadow over their future.

Hazel steals a vial of the Tincture—not to use, but to study. She and Jack flee England together, determined to forge a different future. Hazel chooses the path of mortal healing over eternal life, valuing the fragility and dignity of the human condition. 

In the epilogue, Hazel is seen attending medical school in Manhattan and publishing her anatomy treatise—one that democratizes medical knowledge. Jack, now a stage actor, supports her from the sidelines, and the couple lives a quieter life, grounded not in eternity, but in purpose.

In this richly layered sequel, Dana Schwartz explores the intersections of science, ethics, and love. Immortality: A Love Story questions whether everlasting life is worth the moral erosion it demands—and celebrates the beauty of impermanence.

Characters

Hazel Sinnett

Hazel Sinnett, the protagonist of Immortality: A Love Story, is a fiercely independent and skilled surgeon in early 19th century Edinburgh. Her deep intellectual curiosity and commitment to medicine drive her character throughout the narrative.

Hazel is not just a brilliant practitioner but also a woman who challenges societal norms by working outside the formal medical establishment, especially during a time when women in medicine were often sidelined. Her devotion to her work is matched by a profound loneliness, stemming from the death of her lover, Jack Currer, and the emotional trauma of this loss.

Hazel’s personal growth is intricately tied to her increasing awareness of moral complexities, particularly regarding immortality and the ethics of scientific experimentation. Her interactions with characters such as Marie-Anne and the Companions to the Death group illustrate her conflict between the allure of eternal life and her ethical stance on human suffering and dehumanization.

Hazel’s narrative arc is one of transformation from a determined and isolated individual to someone who seeks a balanced life—both in love and in her work.

Jack Currer

Jack Currer’s character is one shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Initially believed to be dead, Jack’s return as a figure burdened with immortality reveals the darker implications of scientific pursuit.

He represents the tension between the human desire for survival and the consequences of achieving that desire at the cost of natural death. Jack’s immortality is not a gift, but a curse that isolates him, making him a tortured figure.

His reunion with Hazel adds depth to his character, as he wrestles with his immortality and its implications on their future together. Jack’s role in the story ultimately forces the reader to question the value of immortality and whether the preservation of life is worth the loss of human experiences like love, death, and fulfillment.

Marie-Anne Lavoisier

Marie-Anne Lavoisier is a key figure in the narrative, symbolizing both scientific curiosity and the sacrifices made in the name of science. Her relationship with her husband, Antoine Lavoisier, the famous chemist, introduces the idea of immortality through the lens of scientific advancement.

Marie-Anne’s actions—especially giving her husband the vial before his execution—hint at a deeper understanding of immortality and its potential consequences. As the story progresses, she becomes a central figure in the Companions to the Death group, a secret society engaged in experiments on immortality.

Marie-Anne’s ambition and control over the narrative of immortality shape much of the moral and philosophical discussions in the story, representing the darker side of human pursuit of knowledge without ethical boundaries.

The Companions to the Death

The Companions to the Death are a clandestine society composed of figures who have achieved immortality, including historical luminaries like Byron and Voltaire. They serve as a stark contrast to Hazel’s initial ideals of medicine and healing.

The Companions are detached from human suffering, viewing immortality not as a burden but as an unearned privilege. Their actions throughout the story, including unethical medical experiments and the pursuit of eternal life, reflect a dehumanizing perspective on science.

Their interactions with Hazel expose her to the darker side of human ambition, and their manipulations challenge her moral compass. In the Companions, the story critiques the intersection of unchecked scientific ambition with the loss of ethical consideration, urging Hazel to reassess her role in this world.

Lady Sinnett

Lady Sinnett, the aristocratic figure who contacts Hazel early in the story, serves as a catalyst for Hazel’s entrance into the royal world and the mysterious medical developments surrounding Princess Charlotte. Lady Sinnett’s role in Hazel’s life is significant as she offers Hazel an opportunity to gain recognition in medical circles that had previously excluded her.

However, her connection to the royal family and the covert operations within the palace suggest a hidden agenda, one that further complicates Hazel’s growing suspicion of the unethical practices surrounding the treatment of Princess Charlotte. Lady Sinnett represents the allure of social status and the potential cost of such recognition—namely, complicity in morally dubious practices.

Princess Charlotte

Princess Charlotte is an enigmatic figure whose health forms a central mystery in the story. Initially appearing to suffer from Roman Fever, Charlotte’s condition becomes a focal point for Hazel’s medical expertise, and it eventually leads Hazel to uncover the darker dealings of the royal court.

As a symbol of royalty, Charlotte’s vulnerability highlights the fragility of life—even among those at the pinnacle of power. Her illness and subsequent death underscore the moral themes of the narrative, particularly the tension between scientific progress and the preservation of human dignity.

Charlotte’s interactions with Hazel push the protagonist to confront the ethical implications of the immortality experiments being conducted behind closed doors.

Byron and Voltaire

Byron and Voltaire, both members of the Companions to the Death, provide a philosophical underpinning to the narrative’s exploration of immortality. Byron, with his passionate and somewhat reckless demeanor, represents the romanticized view of immortality—an escape from the constraints of mortal life.

In contrast, Voltaire embodies the intellectual and rational approach, although his desire for immortality also reflects the deep human need for control over life and death. Their philosophical debates, often expressed in sarcastic and provocative manners, serve to challenge Hazel’s own beliefs and provoke reflection on the moral costs of immortality.

Their involvement in the society forces Hazel to reckon with the inherent dangers of living forever—both physically and morally.

Themes

The Ethical Dilemma of Immortality and the Cost of Eternal Life

In Immortality: A Love Story, one of the primary themes revolves around the exploration of immortality and its ethical implications. The novel delves deeply into the moral quandaries of eternal life, particularly through Hazel’s journey and the secretive Companions who seek to prolong life through dangerous means.

The characters grapple with the human desire to escape death, which is initially portrayed as an alluring idea but soon reveals its dark consequences. Immortality, in this narrative, is not a gift but a curse, marked by loss of humanity and an insatiable hunger for control over life and death.

As the Companions revel in their godlike detachment, Hazel, with her medical background, becomes increasingly disturbed by their apathy towards human suffering. This theme challenges the reader to reflect on the true cost of immortality—not just in terms of physical toll, but in the erosion of one’s ethical and moral compass.

Through Hazel’s eyes, the novel critiques the pursuit of eternal life at the expense of one’s soul, personal connections, and the sanctity of life itself.

The Conflict Between Science and Humanity

The tension between scientific advancement and the preservation of humanity forms another central theme in the novel. Hazel, a skilled surgeon and a medical innovator, is deeply invested in the progress of science, particularly in making medicine more accessible to the public.

However, as she uncovers the sinister scientific experiments conducted by the Companions and their connection to immortality, she finds herself torn between her passion for science and the darker side of its potential. The novel critiques the idea that science, when divorced from ethical considerations, can lead to exploitation and inhumane practices.

Hazel’s experiences reflect the ongoing struggle between utilizing science for the greater good and the dangerous paths it can take when driven by selfish ambitions or blind obsession. The moral dilemma intensifies when Hazel discovers that science, in its pursuit of immortality, can strip away the essence of what it means to be human.

This theme emphasizes the importance of grounding scientific inquiry in compassion and humanity, reminding the reader that the quest for knowledge should never come at the cost of one’s ethical obligations to others.

Love and Loss in the Pursuit of Power

At its heart, Immortality: A Love Story is about the collision of love and the pursuit of power. Hazel’s complicated relationship with Jack mirrors the tension between the desire for eternal love and the realization that power—whether through immortality or control over life—can destroy what is most meaningful.

Jack’s immortality, which initially seems like a possible escape from death, becomes a tragic burden that forces him to live in constant fear of losing his humanity and his connection to Hazel. Their love story is marked by separation, unfulfilled dreams, and the tension of being pulled in different directions: one driven by the need for survival, the other by a desire to preserve the sanctity of human emotions.

The novel explores how love is tested when faced with the harsh realities of power, immortality, and scientific progress. Hazel’s journey, filled with heartbreak and longing, exemplifies the sacrifices people make when love and ambition conflict.

This theme questions whether love can truly endure under the weight of immortality and whether the pursuit of power—whether in the form of eternal life or scientific supremacy—can ultimately destroy love itself.

The Role of Women in Medicine and the Struggle for Recognition

The novel also touches upon the societal challenges faced by women in the medical field, particularly in the 19th century. Hazel, as a female surgeon in a male-dominated profession, must constantly battle against the societal norms that seek to exclude her from formal medical institutions.

Her struggles represent a broader commentary on the gendered obstacles women face when seeking recognition in fields that were historically reserved for men. Despite her brilliance and dedication, Hazel’s work is marginalized because of her gender, and she is forced to operate in the shadows, often working independently and outside the conventional boundaries of professional recognition.

The story thus critiques the systemic inequality in the medical profession while celebrating Hazel’s resilience. Her journey highlights the tension between the desire for acceptance and the refusal to compromise her principles, showing how women often had to fight for space in intellectual and professional arenas during this time.

As Hazel continues her work in secret, it becomes clear that the pursuit of medical knowledge and the desire to heal was never limited to gender—but the struggle for recognition and respect often was. This theme underscores the significance of women’s contributions to science and medicine, which were historically overlooked or undervalued.

The Intersection of Love, Ambition, and Personal Identity

A crucial aspect of Hazel’s character development in the novel is the interplay between her love for Jack, her ambition as a medical professional, and her evolving sense of personal identity. Throughout the narrative, Hazel wrestles with the demands of her career, her personal desires, and the moral complexities introduced by the quest for immortality.

As she is drawn deeper into the secretive world of the Companions and the allure of immortality, Hazel must decide whether she will continue down a path that could compromise her values or remain true to her mission of helping others and preserving her own sense of self. This internal conflict is amplified by her deep connection to Jack, whose immortality creates a barrier to their potential future together.

Their love becomes a symbol of the tension between personal happiness and the greater good, and Hazel’s decision to reject the Tincture of immortality signifies her commitment to preserving her identity and humanity over the allure of eternal life.

The theme explores how personal ambition and love can shape one’s identity and destiny, particularly when external forces, such as science and immortality, threaten to redefine what it means to be human.