The Physician's Tale (The Plague Tales)

This is really 2 tales in one, beautifully intertwined in such a smart way to merge characters over a span of 700 years or so, and stressing the importance of paying attention to history so that we aren't doomed to repeat it. The only downside, if it can even be called that: I felt that this story was perfectly set up for sequels, and was a little disappointed when it ended. I would have loved to have followed these splendid characters through a couple more books. This is the first book I've read by this author, but most definitely not the last. Great job!

I just read this book, and it is a well written, great story (two stories actually)...I had no idea what to expect when I started reading, and I couldn't put this book down. Give this book a try, especially if you like historical fiction and have an open mind for sci fi. It's a perfect mix of the two.

The third in a series of books with 2 storylines, the Plague in 14th century Europe and a devastating fictional epidemic set in the current time,The Physician's tale is another fascinating read from Ann Benson. The books in the series are The Plague Tales, The Burning Road and now, The Physician's Tale. Characters from another Benson book, Thief of Souls, which is not part of the series are also present in The Physician's Tale. These books are all fascinating, albeit lengthy, so read on!

I picked this book up because I have read Benson's previous Novels. Benson utilizes the same characters as before, but in a slightly different way. I really enjoyed reading this one. THEIF of SOULS was not my favorite, but thought I would give Benson another opportunity. If you enjoyed THE PLAGUE TALES, you will enjoy this one too. Worthy of 5 STARS!!!

With the pandemic destruction over the last eight years of the DR SAM bacteria, few safe havens remain on the North American continent. One such place is a small sanctuary in Massachusetts founded by married couple Janie Crowe and Tom Macalester. They are still safe for now but both realize that the deadly disease is still spreading and could reach them at any time. Janie studies the seemingly valuable journal of fourteenth century physician, Alejandro Canches, who explains how as the medical practitioner at Windsor Castle, he battled the bubonic plague ravaging Europe and threatening to do likewise to England. She believes the elixir to stopping this modern day plague lies in the journal that claims communication between then and now. At the same time, Tom and others collect specimens and survivor information from those living outside their Massachusetts colony while these aliens demand medical help especially from Janie. Meanwhile back in medieval times Alejandro and the son of his foster daughter Kate live in hiding. However, King Edward III has decided to acknowledge that Kate is his offspring and will marry mean-spirited de Coucy. Only the king's secretary Geoffrey Chaucer can save Kate from a terrible fate but he fears intervention. This is an excellent science fiction tale in which two medical practitioners six hundred plus years apart and their friends and loved ones are at war against a deadly enemy the plague. The two prime subplots are fast-paced as in each era the clock is ticking away while the heroes struggle to save the day. Fans will want to read the previous related novels (see THE BURNING ROAD and THE PLAGUE TALES) and Ann Benson's other works (see THIEF OF SOULS) as few if any authors offers better comparative eras (historical vs. present) than this author consistently provides in her multifaceted thrillers. Harriet Klausner