Noah Gordon "Shaman"

Title: Shaman Author: Noah Gordon Release date: 2008 Genre: historical novel Medical topic: history of medicine Description: The second volume of the trilogy about the Cole family of physicians (the first volume is titled "Medicus") takes us to the United States in the 19th century, during the Civil War. The book tells the story of a Scottish doctor who arrives in the United States and settles in Illinois. There, he meets his future wife, Sarah, and her young son, Alex. Soon, his own son is born—the titular Shaman. One day, the Shaman discovers a sixth sense within himself, inherited from his father. It is a Gift that allows him to foresee death. From that moment on, the boy’s dream is to become a doctor, just like his father. The novel is not only about fulfilling dreams, but also about breaking conventions. It tells of strong, unconditional fatherly love and brotherly devotion. Just as in *The Physician*, in *The Shaman* we also have the opportunity to observe a multi-ethnic society. Rob works with the Sauk Indians, is friends with a Jewish family, and shelters slaves who have fled from the South. He, a non-believer, holds the mother superior of the Franciscan sisters in special regard, draws on the medical expertise of Native American shamans, and accepts with understanding his wife’s excitement regarding the selection of a new pastor for the Baptist congregation. This book is a truly excellent sequel to *Medicus*, though not having read the first part in no way precludes reading *The Shaman*. They are actually two completely different books, even though both tell the story of the Cole family of doctors.