Dear and Glorious Physician, by Taylor Caldwell

reviewed by Jody Rakis

I first read Dear and Glorious Physician, Taylor Caldwell’s biographical novel about St. Luke, approximately thirty years ago. It left me in awe. It inspired me to want to read more, anything that could help fulfill the need to increase my closeness and knowledge of God. I felt St. Luke come to life. His faith was so strong as he faced overwhelming obstacles. His feelings of total devotion were something I had never heard of or felt. So, when I recently saw the book advertised in paperback on a Catholic website, I immediately ordered it. Would it be as captivating as I remembered it to be? Would it rekindle that spirit of growth in faith that I was hungry for?

When I began reading it for the second time, I realized I had totally forgotten the inner core of this work. This time, I understood more of the deeper meaning behind St Luke’s emotions. I suffered through the agony of loneliness and the awe and wonder of discovering the workings of our Lord along with St. Luke. It was not just a touching, moving story. It was the beautiful love story of man and Christ. It was the understanding that life here on earth can be harsh and can leave us totally empty of spiritual strength, limited as we are by our human intellect and beliefs. And yet, it also reveals the truth that deep within each of us there is a driving faith that, if we have the courage to investigate and follow it, and hang onto it tightly, the most magnificent wonder can overtake us and reveal to us God’s infinite love. This is a story of how God gives us time and patience to understand His mysterious ways. Taylor Caldwell shows us the true relationship that we can have with Christ when we allow ourselves to persevere and continue searching and following what our Church teaches us; when we allow God to overtake us, and be within us.

Caldwell’s dialogue regarding Mary, Mother of God, is so tender and realistic. I felt I was there with St. Luke: I heard Mary’s words and felt the love and compassion in her voice.

This is a book I will read again after a period of time, and will, more than likely, find even more moments of spirit and strength through the words of Taylor Caldwell. It will always be my favorite work of fiction.