Shaman

by Noah Gordon

Book Overview

Robert Jeremy Cole, the legendary doctor and hero of "The Physician," left an enduring legacy. From the 11th century on, the eldest son in each generation of the Cole family has borne the same first name and middle initial and many of these men have followed the medical profession. A few have been blessed with their ancestor's diagnostic skill and the "sixth sense" they call The Gift, the ability to know instinctively when death is impending. The...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525935541
• ISBN13: 9780525935544
• Release Date: September 1992
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

I like bed this story from the first pages.

This story tells of a doctor who emigrated from Ireland in the19th century and how he builds a life in America; From settling, marrying, raising his family and doctoring. This takes up about 3/4 of the book about the father and his growing family then switches to the youngest son in adulthood. Excellent saga and writer. I highly recommend it.

Story of Two Relentless Souls!

My good friend Mario strongly recommended me "The Physician", even if he knew a physician's life wasn't my cup of tea. I'm grateful he convinced me to read it. I was so trapped by Mr. Noah Gordon story that I went immediately to the bookstore and bought "Shaman" and "Choices". IMHO "Shaman" is the best of the trilogy. "Punto de Lectura" is a book collection from prestigious Grupo Santillana, specialized in pocket book editions. This is the story of two members of the Cole family: Rob Sr. & Rob Jr. The story, situated in the period around 1830-1870, starts following Rob Sr.'s life since his forced emigration from Scotland to America and is reconstructed thru his personal diary as discovered and read, after his death, by his son Rob Jr. Rob Sr. initiates his medical practice at Boston's Irish ghetto and meets Oliver Wendell Holmes, precursor of medical prophylaxis. Later he continues his migration going into Illinois and stopping at Holden's Crossing where he starts a new life as rural physician. There he builds his home, start his relationship with the Sauk Native Americans people, fall in love, heal & marry Sarah, have a child who will contract scarlatina and lose his hearing. At this point Rob's Jr. life is the second main thread of the narration, following his education and fervent desire to be a physician as his father, overcoming his handicapped status. Both threads will conflux at the Civil War period. Historical reconstruction is paramount, showing domestic every day details, political issues, educational issues, medical issues and cultural issues with deepness and commitment. This aspect of the novel is by far better than the period reconstruction done by Mr. Gordon in "The Physician". A much recommended read for those interested in historical subjects, daily life period reconstruction and medical practice. Enjoy this great novel! Reviewed by Max Yofre.

From Scotland to Illinois!

My good friend Mario strongly recommended me "The Physician", even if he knew a physician's life wasn't my cup of tea. I'm grateful he convinced me to read it. I was so trapped by Mr. Noah Gordon story that I went immediately to the bookstore and bought "Shaman" and "Choices". IMHO "Shaman" is the best of the trilogy. Since 2004 Ediciones B has launched a pocket book collection "Byblos" with no specific genre defined. Fortunately for us, historical novels buffs, some volumes pertain to this genre, allowing us to access a very inexpensive and high quality product. This is the story of two members of the Cole family: Rob Sr. & Rob Jr. The story, situated in the period around 1830-1870, starts following Rob Sr.'s life since his forced emigration from Scotland to America and is reconstructed thru his personal diary as discovered and read, after his death, by his son Rob Jr. Rob Sr. initiates his medical practice at Boston's Irish ghetto and meets Oliver Wendell Holmes, precursor of medical prophylaxis. Later he continues his migration going into Illinois and stopping at Holden's Crossing where he starts a new life as rural physician. There he builds his home, start his relationship with the Sauk Native Americans people, fall in love, heal & marry Sarah, have a child who will contract scarlatina and lose his hearing. At this point Rob's Jr. life is the second main thread of the narration, following his education and fervent desire to be a physician as his father. Both threads will conflux at the Civil War period. Historical reconstruction is paramount, showing domestic every day details, political issues, educational issues, medical issues and cultural issues with deepness and commitment. This aspect of the novel is by far better than the period reconstruction done by Mr. Gordon in "The Physician". A much recommended read for those interested in historical subjects, daily life period reconstruction and medical practice. Enjoy this great novel! Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Gran Continuación!

700 años después de terminar la primera parte, el autor describe las peripecias de dos nuevos médicos en la familia Cole. El primero inicia la trama de este libro y el hijo de éste termina de gran manera la obra. El libro describe detalles de la guerra civil estadounidense y otros hechos históricos como la muerte de Lincoln a manos de Wilkes Booth. Una gran obra, digna continuación de la primera parte.

A doctor in a flourishing country

This is the continuation of the 11th-century saga of the Cole family. Apparently, the Cole family formed a dinasty of doctors since then. This time, the story passes in the 19th century and the Cole family has immigrated to the United States and settled in Illinois, the Indian country. The story is not as interesting as in "The Physician", however, the book is better written with a nonlinear and more elaborate plot. Also, the book describes the beginning of the use of ether as anaesthetics, a turning point in the history of medicine and how Dr. Cole plays an important role in it.

A Wonderful Story

When I read The Physician, I felt it was the best book ever written. Now I'm reading Shaman and the same feeling arouses again. All Rob Js are unique in dignity, integrity, kindness, sensibility, intelligence, courage,etc.As for the Cole's medical vocation, I wish all doctors had the same talent. It's a wonderful story: sometimes sad, sometimes funny, but always moving and enchanting.