William H. Coles’ McDowell provides readers with literate medicine for the mind and soul, with a distinctive and fascinating work of dramatic fiction that cleverly incorporates a story of self-discovery within the world of the modern medical profession. It delves into the life and psyche of surgeon Hiram McDowell, a medical professional at the peak of his success who dwells on the lowest points of morality.
From the beginning of the story, readers will discover that they are immediately engrossed in the life of the protagonist, Dr. Hiram McDowell. You live a dual existence in your world that is replete with wealth, opportunity, and privilege. To the outside world, he sports the facade of an ambitious humanitarian and expert in his field, but to those who know him more intimately, he is morally flawed and has only his own interests and needs in mind.
On the whole, McDowell seriously lacks common human decency; He is rude to his family, ignores and openly cheats on his wife, only seeks to fulfill his goals within his profession, delights in deception, steps on the feet of his colleagues, and misappropriates charitable funds. Also, the focus of the story is not primarily on McDowell; It also highlights her family dynamics and the effects that her behavior therefore has on her family, especially her two closest children.
Ultimately, he makes enemies of those who once trusted him and perpetuates self-esteem conflicts between those who try to love him. An almost seemingly desperate cause, he arouses curiosity to see where things are going for him. Eventually, McDowell’s moral deficiencies become his complete undoing and consequently, he is forced to live a life of poverty and loneliness with his wealth, fame, and power far removed from his life. Forced to live as an itinerant fugitive, and meanwhile, surviving with his wits, he gradually learns to humble himself and become a more humane human being for his survival among ordinary people.
McDowell, in its entirety and enjoyable, was a richly performed and realistically detailed read, driven by the characters and moved at a balanced pace. Hiram McDowell turned out to be a strongly posed, despicable, and at the same time fascinating character, whose ethical flaws catalyzed his journey toward self-discovery. Overall, author William H. Coles writes with a literate poise that is both evocative and entertaining, especially when it comes to detailing aspects of the medical profession and facets of human nature. My only argument about this reading is the presence of some minor editing problems. But issues aside, this was a worthy read and I highly recommend it.
