BOOK REVIEW

WAITING FOR THE MOON


By Kristin Hannah

A book review by Don Meyer

The year is 1882. A young woman with severe head injuries is brought to the home of a doctor who lives in a remote area on the coast in the state of Maine. He is still reasonably young himself, but is no longer in practice. Furthermore, there are several emotionally disturbed individuals, including the doctor’s mother, living in the house with the doctor.

Even in modern times, in a fully equipped operating room, it would be problematic that the young woman could be saved, but this is not even an 1882 hospital. Nonetheless, the doctor had been a renowned surgeon. And he is resolved to save this individual’s life.

There are a number of complications, not the least of which is saving the woman’s life. She has no identification, so no one knows who she is or where she came from. She wears no jewelry, so is she married or single? Whether she lives or dies, who should be notified?

Then there is the issue of the doctor himself. It seems that he has some strange power that frightens him. That may be why he is no longer in practice, even though he is far from what would considered retirement age. And why are all these emotionally disturbed individuals living with him?

This is a story about commitment, and it is truly astonishing how the individuals in this fictional story respond to the responsibility, even when it is to their own detriment. This is a story that ultimately glows, and I cannot think of a more appropriate description. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think you would, too.

How many legs you suppose this guy has?

Proof of global warming