Review by HailKingEbi -- The Surgeon's Wife

[HailKingEbi]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Surgeon's Wife" by William H. Coles.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Is man inherently evil or do his circumstances trigger his behavior? Is human nature good with bad tendencies? or majorly bad with good tendencies?

William H. Cole is an American Ophthalmic Surgeon and literary writer. Coles' works have earned several well deserved literary awards and recognition and the fictional prose The Surgeon's Wife is no different. Mr Coles delivers his story with precise surgical skill. He tells the intriguing story of Catherine and Clayton Otherson with pathos, a myriad of emotions and compelling grammer. The story is predominantly set in New Orleans, and references to the Mardi Gras Carnival are scattered throughout the book, most notably on the cover which shows the Carnival and another New Orleans Landmark, The St. Louis Cathedral.

Best surgeon and Chief of Surgery, Michael Boudreaux was trained by Clayton Otherson, a renowned Surgeon. Clayton's recent failings in the OR present a dilemma to Mike as he's torn between covering up for his teacher/mentor and risking Patient's lives by allowing Otherson to continue operating. Amidst all these, a love affair blooms between Mike and Catherine Otherson, the Title Character. Herein lies Catherine's conflict, Loyalty to Clayton or Love for Michael? What becomes of the healer when he loses everything and everyone?

The book is narrated from an omniscient point of view by a third-person narrator who is reliable and unbiased. The characters are well drawn out and in the span of 180+ pages develop to their full potentials. Most Characters are memorable and relatable, particularly Helen Rappaport whom you have no choice but to first, feel proud of, then later sympathetic towards.

There is the theme of Sexism, Janet from Orthopedics, is repeatedly ignored during OR meetings. Also, Catherine, is relatively unrecognized except for being Clayton Otherson's Wife and his accolades and accomplishments are used to introduce her at social gatherings. Coles makes use of Metonym, e.g. "Thoracic", "Oral surgery" instead of their names. Another literary technique utilized is Foreshadowing. Catherine's silence is described as "ominous, like a pre-hurricane calm". Imagery is also employed strongly. At the beginning of Parts 1, 2 & 3, there is a picture which presages the coming Chapters.

The book will be a delight to those medically inclined or in the medical profession as its language, overrun with medical jargon is spellbinding. While the tale is rather grim, dark and violent, Coles allows for light, hope and happiness at the end. I liked the ease and flow with which the story was delivered. I can guarantee, the climax and conclusion is totally unpredictable, you have to read to find it out as Coles successfully keeps us glued to our seats with suspense.

There are little or no mistakes in the text, I found just two typographical errors so I'm guessing it was professionally edited. However, after reading, I didn't feel like the question of "why people do what they do" was fully resolved and therefore I rate Mr Coles' book 3 out of 4 Stars. I'd recommend this book to everyone, no matter your preferred genre, You will certainly enjoy the unpredictability and growth of the plot and characters. The Surgeon's Wife made a good read, I'm not a fan of suspense but It held me captive in its clutches till the very end.

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The Surgeon's Wife
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