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Physicians -- Fiction Books

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Robert Louis Stevenson

The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a Gothic horror novella published in 1886. When London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson investigates strange occurrences involving his old friend Dr. Henry Jekyll and a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde, he uncovers a disturbing mystery. This defining work of Gothic horror explores the duality of human nature and has profoundly influenced popular culture, making "Jekyll and Hyde" synonymous with hidden evil beneath respectable appearances.

Robert Louis Stevenson

The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a Gothic horror novella published in 1886. When London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson investigates strange occurrences involving his old friend Dr. Henry Jekyll and a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde, he uncovers a disturbing mystery. This defining work of Gothic horror explores the duality of human nature, examining how good and evil can intertwine within a single person. The story's impact endures today, with "Jekyll and Hyde" becoming synonymous with those who possess hidden, shocking darkness.

I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie

The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India

"The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India" by I. A. R. Wylie is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Indian culture and colonial tensions, the story unfolds through the lives of various characters, including the titular hermit doctor, Tristram, and the village storyteller, Ayeshi, amidst romantic and historical plots. The narrative intertwines themes of love, bravery, and the clash between modernity and tradition. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a crisis of the past, shared through a village storyteller recounting the tale of Rani Kurnavati’s valorous stand against enemy forces in Chitore, highlighting themes of heroism and sacrifice. The scene shifts to the present day, where Tristram, known as the "Dakktar Sahib," engages with the villagers, prescribing medicine while fostering deeper connections, especially with a young boy named Ayeshi, who shows great admiration for him. As Tristram and Ayeshi travel toward a temple, the narrative unveils a sense of mystery and anticipation for the challenges and relationships that lie ahead, setting the stage for a larger exploration of the intersection between personal desires and broader social issues in an evolving India.

W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham

Of Human Bondage

"Of Human Bondage" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1915. This autobiographical masterpiece follows Philip Carey, an orphaned boy with a club foot, through his journey from childhood to adulthood. Philip searches for meaning and happiness as he navigates boarding school, travels abroad, pursues art in Paris, and studies medicine in London. His obsessive infatuation with Mildred, a callous waitress, becomes a destructive force that threatens to derail his future, testing his resilience and forcing him to confront what truly matters in life.

Rafael Sabatini

Captain Blood

"Captain Blood" by Rafael Sabatini is an adventure novel published in 1922. Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician, is wrongfully convicted of treason for treating wounded rebels and transported to Barbados as a slave. When Spanish raiders attack the island, Blood seizes his chance to escape, capturing their ship and transforming himself into a feared Caribbean pirate. Hunted by his former master and torn between his outlaw life and redemption, Blood navigates dangerous waters where political upheaval may offer an unexpected path back to honor.

Pío Baroja

El árbol de la ciencia: novela

"El árbol de la ciencia: novela" by Pío Baroja is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story primarily follows Andrés Hurtado, a medical student navigating the complexities of life, academia, and his family dynamics in Spain. The book explores themes of scientific exploration, societal norms, and the challenges of personal growth amidst the backdrop of early 20th-century Madrid. The opening of the novel introduces Andrés Hurtado on the first day of his medical studies in Madrid, illustrating his feelings of confusion and anticipation as he mingles with fellow students at the School of Architecture, where his classes are temporarily held. We are introduced to his companions, Julio Aracil and Montaner, who share a mix of camaraderie and rivalry. As Andrés reflects on his life, we get insight into his family, particularly the complicated relationship he shares with his father and the feeling of isolation following his mother's death. This portion of the novel sets the stage for Andrés's intellectual and emotional journey through the trials of his medical education and the society he inhabits.

Ralph Connor

The Doctor : A Tale of the Rockies

"The Doctor: A Tale of the Rockies" by Ralph Connor is a novel written during the early 20th century. Set in a rural environment, the narrative explores themes of community, family, and the struggles associated with personal ambition. The story centers around Barney Boyle, a young man with aspirations of becoming a doctor, as he navigates his responsibilities at home while supporting others in his community, particularly during significant events such as barn raisings and the challenges faced by a family dealing with injury. The opening of the novel provides a lush description of the idyllic setting around the Old Stone Mill, establishing a peaceful yet vibrant community life. Through the interactions between characters, including Barney and his mother, the groundwork is laid for central themes of sacrifice and ambition. Notably, the lives and expectations of the local families are depicted, alongside hints of Barney's aspirations, which foreshadow his upcoming journey into medicine. The dynamics of family relationships and his sense of duty are immediately apparent, creating a backdrop that promises both personal and communal challenges to come as the story unfolds.

Richard Dehan

The Dop Doctor

"The Dop Doctor" by Richard Dehan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the South African veld during a time marked by personal tragedy and cultural upheaval. The narrative follows Richard Mildare, an Englishman, who is grappling with the death of his beloved, a woman who left everything for him, and reflects on the pain of his loss while struggling to care for their small child. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Richard as he navigates the harsh realities of life on the African veld after experiencing the devastating loss of his partner and their stillborn child. He wrestles with his grief and the responsibility of caring for their infant daughter amidst the societal tensions and personal demons that haunt their journey. As he searches for a proper burial for his beloved, the landscape vividly contrasts with his internal turmoil, exposing the profound themes of love, loss, and the quest for redemption that characterize the narrative. The opening sets a somber yet poignant tone, inviting readers to explore the intricate human emotions underlying this tale of love and tragedy.

Sinclair Lewis

Arrowsmith

"Arrowsmith" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1925. It follows Martin Arrowsmith, a scientifically minded young man from small-town Midwest, as he navigates his tumultuous journey through medical school and research to the elite scientific community of New York. Along the way, he faces romantic entanglements, ethical dilemmas, and conflicting ambitions. When a plague outbreak tests his principles, Arrowsmith must choose between rigorous scientific method and saving lives, confronting the tensions between idealism, ambition, and the realities of medical practice.

Anthony Trollope

Doctor Thorne

"Doctor Thorne" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1858. It tells the story of Mary Thorne, a young woman of mysterious parentage raised by her uncle, a country doctor. When she falls in love with Frank Gresham, heir to the local estate, their union seems impossible—his family needs him to marry wealth, and Mary is penniless. Meanwhile, secret connections between the families and a complex web of debts threaten to determine everyone's fate in unexpected ways.

Warwick Deeping

A Woman's War: A Novel

"A Woman's War" by Warwick Deeping is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Catherine Murchison, a devoted wife, and her husband, James Murchison, a dedicated physician battling his personal demons and the pressures of his profession. Set in a small English town, the narrative explores themes of love, rivalry, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly the tensions that arise between Catherine and her rival, Mrs. Betty Steel. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Catherine Murchison, who returns home on a cold winter’s night, depicted as a happy wife reflected in her comfortable domestic life. However, as the story unfolds, the backdrop of her husband James’s struggles with the burdens of his career and inherited vices begins to emerge. Catherine's deep love for James motivates her to manage their home life while he fights the pressures of his medical career. Their relationship is complicated further by the presence of Betty Steel, who harbors jealousy and rivalry towards Catherine, creating an undercurrent of tension that hints at the challenges they will face. The opening sets a tone of domesticity laced with unease, inviting readers to delve into the intertwining lives of the characters.

Ian Maclaren

A Doctor of the Old School — Complete

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