Dear and Glorious Physician

Me parecio espectacular este libro y lo voy a leer de nuevo.

This novel is reminiscent of those that James Michener or Coleen McCullough write--that is, big, sweeping novels with historical content. Caldwell really brings Luke to life, from his beginnings as the young son of a greek freedman in the Roman Empire, to his ultimate search for Christ. Luke's spiritual search begins as a young child and continues throughout the Roman Empire, from a meeting with mysterious Chaldean priest, an encounter with Emperor Tiberius, up to his meeting with Mary, mother of Jesus. The background makes the Roman empire and the holy land in that time come to life. If you like historical novels, you can't go wrong with this one.

I read this book years ago, as a teenager struggling with my own inner demons. It was one of the few books that made me cry, there were so many beautifully crafted scenes of humanity and redemption that resonated with what I was going through at that point in my life. Luke's mixed feelings and sometimes disdain for his father echoed some of the same feelings that I had for my parents, and woken me to the shame of having such unworthy feelings. Luke's lost of faith echoed my own inner struggles for identity, my constant feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, and my then slowly dying faith in Christianity. My favorite scene in the whole book was a little story Mary told Luke: Lucifer, the Morningstar (portrayed here as an infinitely beautiful angel whose perfection is only marred by his own pride), took a clump of soil from the earth and showed it mockingly to Jesus, indicating that everything Jesus strives for is nothing more than dirt. Jesus then took up another clump of soil, and a plant grew and blossomed in his hand. Somewhere along the way, during those difficult years, I had also come to realise that this world, this life I've been given, is full of beauty and worthy things to struggle for and cherish, if only I would open my eyes and see them. I loved this book. BUY IT if you wish to read a fictionalised but touching account of St. Luke's life.

Reading Dear and Glorious Physician moved me and has re-kindled my own passion for my faith in Christ-God. As a literary piece, I find it to be full-bodied, rich in texture and brings to life the life and times of St. Luke. Caldwell successfully stimulates the senses as she brings to the fore the smells and scents, the sights and sores, the music and chaos in those times. Burrowed in the pages, I am always transported! What else can I say? Oh Yes, I read up to the Acts of the Apostles, as she intimated.

This book, which tells the life of St. Luke from a young boy through adulthood, was one on the defining pieces of literature in my life. I read it at age 15 and am now reading it again with my 10 year old son. Beyond the spell binding story, vivid descriptions, and high drama are themes of perserverance, kindness, humility, and above all, humanity. This book should be required reading for anyone considering a career in medicine.