Book Review: Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell

Synopsis

From childhood, Lucanus has a deep sensitivity to, and an uncanny ability to alleviate, the pain of others. During his youth, he also has several mystical encounters with a symbol of horror and suffering - a cross. As he matures, he is nurtured and taught first by tutors at home, and then at the university in Alexandria. Upon completion of his physician's training, he embarks on a career ministering almost exclusively to those who most need and can least afford good medical care. Although he touches many, he is tormented by his failure to be able to help some of those dearest to him.

On his travels, Lucanus begins to hear rumors and testimonies of a teacher in Judea, including stories of miraculous healings. He becomes obsessed with learning the truth about the man Jesus, and ultimately seeks out, interviews, and records the firsthand accounts of many who were closest to him. In the process, Lucanus works through his own anger and doubt to unshakable faith that the teacher from Nazareth was indeed the Son of God.

Comments

Dear and Glorious Physician is a shining example of historical fiction as it should be written. The author has clearly researched her material well, and treats the story with all due reverence without becoming stilted or sappy.

On the surface, this book is a richly detailed portrait of life in the Roman world near the time of Christ. On a deeper level, it is a moving account of the prevenient grace of God which shaped Luke into a physician, a believer, and a historian of the early church. Taken as a whole, it has enriched my reading of the New Testament by helping me to better visualize the settings and understand the ideology of the people of the time.

Recommendations

The book does contain some graphic descriptions of disease and sordid conditions. There is also some discussion of the depravities of the Roman upper class and court. These are, in my opinion, appropriate to an accurate depiction of that world at that time; however, they will be disturbing to some readers.