An orphan leaves Dark Ages London to study medicine in Persia in this “rich” and “vivid” historical novel from a New York Times–bestselling author (The New York Times). A child holds the hand of his dying mother and is terrified, aware something is taking her. Orphaned and given to an itinerant barber-surgeon, Rob Cole becomes a fast-talking swindler, peddling a worthless medicine. But as he … peddling a worthless medicine. But as he matures, his strange gift—an acute sensitivity to impending death—never leaves him, and he yearns to become a healer.
Arab madrassas are the only authentic medical schools, and he makes his perilous way to Persia. Christians are barred from Muslim schools, but claiming he is a Jew, he studies under the world’s most renowned physician, Avicenna. How the woman who is his great love struggles against her only rival—medicine—makes a riveting modern classic.
The Physician is the first book in New York Times–bestselling author Noah Gordon’s Dr. Robert Cole trilogy, which continues with Shaman and concludes with Matters of Choice.
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This was a great book in every sense of the word. An incredible tale and an extraordinary piece of real literature. I just finished it and I have recommended it to a dozen people. This one is a keeper….and EPIC
Shades of James Michener, wonderful read.
A well-written story spanning many years; excellent character development.
Gripping story! Full of interesting historical facts interwoven into the novel.
Excellent book, love the author’s originality and research completed on this novel.
Loved this book. It was very informative for the lives of people in the 11th century regarding Judaism, medicine, wars, etc…
Excellent sweeping tale of how physicians began their craft. The main character experiences incredible journeys to places and times rarely depicted. Imagery is vivid and characters are interesting. It was a page-turner and inspired me to read more by this author.