Doctors, By Erich Segal - Book review

 

“The equilibrium that people see in me is really an illusion. I am as flawed as anyone. It’s only that I seem to have the knack of hiding.” ― Erich Segal, Doctors Remembering fondly one of the most compelling quotes from one of the most favorite books of mine - Doctors by Erich Segal weaves a tale of friendship, love, lust, patience, hardships, and endurance.

Writing with all the passion of ‘Love Story’ and the power of ‘The Class’, Erich Segal sweeps us into the lives of the Harvard Medical School's class of 1962. His stunning novel reveals the making of doctors - what makes them tick, scheme, hurt…and love. At the heart of the story is the unforgettable relationship between Barney Livingston and Laura Castellano. Childhood friends who embark upon a journey of becoming doctors and being doctors. They separately find unsettling fame and unsatisfying love, until their friendship ripens into passion. Yet even their devotion to each other, and their medical gifts may not be enough to save the one life they treasure above all others. From the crucible of med school's merciless training, through the demanding hours of internship and residency, to the triumphs, and sometimes tragedies beyond, ‘Doctors’ brings to vivid life the men and women who seek to heal but who must first walk through fire. The special bond between Barney and Laura is beautifully brought out by Segal, throughout this read. ‘Doctors’ is a heart-breaking, witty, inspiring, and utterly, grippingly fiction with a vibrant portrait that culminates in a murder, a trial and a miracle! This moving and compelling novel of doctors and their fears & how they confront them or are confounded by them is one of the books you just cannot put down! At least not me. I read it in one sitting – an entire day & night! This novel is surely a treat for reality & fiction lovers as it brings out the best of both! “Deep down I'm still afraid, but at least I can deal with it.” ― Erich Segal, Doctors Detailed: The link between the various doctors in the novel is that they all belonged to the Harvard Medical School's class of 1962.The contrast between the future doctors is amusing not just with respect to their characters but also with respect to their backgrounds. The students of the class of 1962 vary from Bennet Landsman, the only black guy in the class who is the adopted son of Jewish parents and is forced by a harsh stroke of fate to give up surgery- his calling in life and pursue law, to Seth Lazarus the introverted but compassionate scholarly Doctor Who's only flaw in character is that he is too compassionate which pushes him into euthanasia(mercy killing). Segal successfully manages to convince the reader that euthanasia is not a dreaded disgrace to the medical profession but just an act which exhibits that doctors are also human. Grete Anderson, Alison Redmond, Laura Castellano are the representatives of femalehood in the class. Though the numerous events detailed in the novel, Alison meets a tragic end. Grete is portrayed as an astoundingly confused and insecure character. Laura could be called the protagonist of the novel who makes quite a success of her life and her chosen profession. Barney, the only true friend Laura has ever had is somehow the only character in the novel who appears larger than life. The psychologist, the leader, the most friendly, the handsome, the jock and the enormously successful Barney who is the very life of the novel could have been portrayed a little less virtuously - to comprehend the a realism of every individual with a distinct personality. Characters like Hank Dwyer, a student of the holy cross, Lance Mortimer, easy go lucky chap, Maury Eastman, psycho turned achiever give an interesting flair to the novel. Peter Wyman, the heartless genius who is loathed by one and all is the greatest success of the class. This proud and arrogant character leaves Laura and Barney quite stumped at the end. Many more characters are blended marvellously into the story and the alarming number of characters gives the story a complete effect. The medical jargons used are not many but are precise and leaves the reader better informed. The references to the Latin language and the amount of literature embedded in the story are noteworthy. The end though may seem abrupt and mysterious befits the novel as if it were ended any other way, Segal would have contradicted what he tries to bring out in the whole novel that ''healing is possible.'' This novel is surely a treat for reality & fiction lovers as it brings out the best of both! “Deep down I'm still afraid, but at least I can deal with it.” ― Erich Segal, Doctors