The Doctor's Wife

The Doctor’s Wife by Elizabeth Brundage is a well written story about family’s that go through troubles in their relationships that many family’s go through. Brundage reels the reader in by beginning her story with a flash-forward of the events that take place later in the book. This automatically shows that there will be trouble and the characters find their way out of it. By using first person point of view with four different characters, Brundage was able to show the full dimensions of the characters which helped the reader relate to the characters. The novel is in the present time in Albany, New York. Michael Knowles is an OB/GYN at a private practice in Albany, and he is beginning to work at a women’s health clinic. His wife, Annie Knowles, is a professor at St. Catherine’s College who is very tired of her life in her out-of-town farmhouse with her two children and her husband she never sees. She begins a whimsical love affair with a famous painter, Simon Haas, who Annie inspired to start painting again. Simon’s wife, Lydia, finds out about their affair. Lydia and her persuasive church group start what become dark times for the Knowles family. Brundage wants the reader to see the main conflict between Annie and Michael. This is the base of all the other conflicts between the other characters. Brundage uses the different point of views to tell one story. This allows the readers to attach clues from different perspectives that give subtle hints about what will happen next in the story. Brundage deals with the many complications of marriage in The Doctor’s Wife. She brings up abortion, local evangelism, and marital separations. Although the main theme is very cliché; live life to the fullest, the reader will find many separate themes for each character. By beginning with a flash-forward to when Michael is being tricked and almost killed, the reader is caught in the middle of the story. Brundage succeeds in making the reader want to ask questions and learn why the events are taking place. Brundage wants the reader to feel what the character is feeling and understand the personalities of the characters. Throughout the book, the reader will see the tone shift as the lives of the Knowles family become threatened. The characters in this novel do change, but some will not change for the better. This brings suspense for the conclusion of the story. Brundage is able to tie all the characters’ points of view together and end the novel without leaving the reader with unanswered questions. The most intriguing concept of The Doctor’s Wife is how the different points of view were used. I believe without it, the reader would not be able to see the characters full personalities and the way they act and think. Brundage wrote each part different. Annie, being the journalist at heart thought, in a way of an interviewer. She looks for answers and gets what she needs. Michael is a very independent person who looks out for his family and sticks to his decisions. Simon has a very artistic mind and sees the world differently than the rest of the characters, and Lydia is seen as a child. Brundage also uses many metaphors that relate to animals. These metaphors are usually used with Simon’s point of view. When he meets his Lydia for the first time he explains her with metaphors, “her hands perched on the rope like small white birds.” This helps the reader relate the situations to something the reader is use to. Using these techniques helps the reader relate to the situations even if the reader has never been through the same situations. Although I have never had to deal with the complications of abortion or relationship problems, this story made me think about what my opinion would be on the subject. The ideals of Lydia’s church group are shown strongly about abortion throughout the book. The opposite opinion is seen by Annie and Michael. The ideals of marital separation are tested too. When Annie and Michael’s marriage is failing, Annie

One of the best books I've read to date. From page one, you know its going to be good. The ending shocks you. It is a book you will want to read from start to finish in one sitting. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys good books. A++++ to Elizabeth Brundage.

Started slow ,and drew me in , I could not stop reading this book ,. I wanted more and could not wait to finish it ,and when I finished the last word ,I still wanted more ......Bravo ,this is what a book should do ,I was invested in the characters that she brought to life ,.shocked at the ending ,....I am passing this book to my sister ,☺