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.
more
Boring with a capital B.
One of my favorite books. Noah Gordon provides a view of a world that most of us are not familiar with. Great characters, well-developed plot. Read it years and years ago and it stays with me. Loved the sequels as well.
This book was a wonderful read – except for the last 3 chapters when it seemed as if the author just wanted to get it over & done with – so rushed – & & I don’t like it when authors do that – totally detracts from the wonderful read this was.
This historical novel is enlightening about a period of time not written of widely. Using the story of a physician to bring to life the cultural high point of Islam is creative and realistic. I enjoyed this very much.
I read a book a week-this is one of the best I’ve read
This is a wonderful story set in 11th century Europe and Asia. The author developments several deep, rich characters that epitomize the era. The book also tells an excellent story with enough real historical characters to lend an aura of authority. I was sorry to see it end!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The setting is England in the 11th century, and the plot and setting are realistic. The plot follows a young man from age nine through his apprenticeship to a barber surgeon to the time he strikes out on his own as a barber surgeon until he can follow his dream of being a real physician. In …
Interesting exploration of another time and place, though at the end the author notes that much of the historical context he provides in the tale is fictional. That’s the only disappointing part.
This is the best book I have read in a long time. The historical references are wonderful. I was so lonely when I finished this because I felt so close to the characters. The descriptions of ancient Persia are mind blowing. This book made me want to go visit these lands. Fabulous.
One of the best novels I’ve ever read
Great read.
Fascinating & nuanced. I have studied Spain’s history and, in particular, the Moorish history and influence. Complex characters, political intrigue, moments of horror and humor and humanity. Loved it & will read more by this author.
Well researched. Draws you into the story and the time period.
Great historical fiction set in a time and place that is relatively unexplored.
Fascinating story of one man’s journey to improve his life by leveraging the few gifts he was given at birth. None of which were related to wealth or influential family connections.
Our hero is saved from a life of slavery after the death of his parents by apprenticing to an itinerant barber-surgeon. He learns the patter and slight of hand to …
I really enjoyed this book. Not only was it a great engrossing read but I felt like it was well researched and authentic. I will definitely read more of Noah Gordon’s books.
I couldn’t put this in one down. Rarely do I praise a book this strongly. I love a historical novel and this was one was the best I’ve read in some time. Islam catholic and Jews struggling for knowledge of medicine and philosophy.
Rich storytelling with abundant elements of history, religion, magic, ethnic diversity and coherence of detail. After finishing this book, I immediately purchased the author’s next major work and put it away to save for a time when I need something really good to read-something that will allow me to really be absorbed and venture to another place …
Historically fascinating story about an era few people have read about. Inspiring story showing the bravery of a person’s strength & belief in his goals & dreams.
Read this first book of the series years before the other two sequels were published. The Physician stands alone well. I have read it many times and love it each time.