Product Description

Robert Jeremy Cole, the legendary doctor and hero of THE PHYSICIAN, left an enduring legacy. From the eleventh century on, the eldest son in each generation of the Cole family has borne the same first name and middle initial and many of these men have followed the medical profession. A few have been blessed with their ancestor's diagnostic skill and the 'sixth sense' they call The Gift, the ability to know instinctively when death is impending. The tragedy of Rob J.'s life is the deafness of his son, Robert Jefferson Cole, who is called Shaman by everyone who knows him. Shaman's life is difficult. First, he must learn to speak so that he can take his place in the hearing world, and then he must fight against the prejudices of a society where physical differences matter. As Shaman struggles to achieve his identity, the Coles, along with the rest of America, are drawn into the conflict between the North and the South.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14854 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 652 pages

Review
'What a book! It's a joy to read. Noah Gordon has given those of us who like good, strong, warm-hearted novels a wonderful gift. SHAMAN leaves you with that warm and satisfied feeling when you've finished.' Tony Hillerman

About the Author
Noah Gordon has worked in publishing, as a medical correspondent, and as science editor of the Boston Herald before becoming an author.

Customer Reviews

A superb holiday read
This book was recommended by a chap next to me by the Pool. He said it was one of the best holiday reads he had had for a long time. He gave me his copy and I read it in two days due to the fact I couldn't put it down. The story is very compelling and the characters are very well portrayed. Even though I have no interest in American history or medicine, I felt that the story itself was strong enough for me to actually enjoy the history and medical lesson. I'm off to order the first part of the trilogy now (not knowing there was one at the time). Very enjoyable.

The perfect holiday read
This is one of those books you need for a beach holiday - no chance of getting bored while you are reading this one! Gordon manages, once again, to combine adventure, romance, mystery and crime with a healthy portion of history. This time it's the lives of American natives and early settlers that create the colourful background against which the story of Rob J develops. A fascinating read if you have the faintest interest in North American history, Judaism or medicine - and want to be entertained along the way. My only reason for not giving this book 5 stars is the first part of the Trilogy - nothing beats The Physician!

Against All Odds
A good saga always includes someone who's underprivileged and who, against all odds and with absolute brilliance, overcomes their circumstances and goes on to shine - it imparts the 'feel good' factor to the reader. It's usually poverty that's struggled against, but in this novel it's deafness following a childhood attack of Scarlet Fever. Shaman was given to me by a friend and is the first of Noah Gordon's books that I've read; I shall certainly be reading more, as it was one of those 'just one more chapter ....' novels! The story runs from 1839 to 1865 and tells the story of Dr Robert Judson Cole (Rob J) and of his son, Robert Jefferson Cole (Shaman). It's rich in historic facts: mid-19th century medical practice, the trials of learning to speak again, Black Hawk's War, the Civil War, and the Jewish and Quaker faiths, to mention just a few. For those who like a warm hearted historic family saga that contains facts as well as ficton, this is the book for you. Thoroughly recommended.