The Cole Trilogy
The Cole Trilogy by Noah Gordon is a sweeping historical fiction series that traces the legacy of the Cole family across generations, beginning in 11th-century England. The first book, The Physician, follows Rob Cole, a young orphan with a gift for healing who journeys to Persia to study medicine under the legendary Ibn Sina. Shaman, the second novel, shifts to 19th-century America, focusing on Rob’s descendant during the Civil War and Native American displacement. Matters of Choice continues the saga in modern times with Dr. Robert Cole. The trilogy masterfully blends medical history, adventure, and ethical dilemmas across time and place.
In Noah Gordon's historical fiction masterpiece, 'The Physician,' readers are taken on an extraordinary journey through 11th-century Europe, following the life of Rob Cole, a young Englishman who dreams of becoming a physician. Faced with challenges and societal constraints, Rob embarks on a perilous quest to the fabled land of Persia to study medicine. The novel deftly weaves together themes of ambition, perseverance, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of knowledge. Gordon's vivid descriptions and meticulous research bring the medieval world to life, captivating readers with a rich tapestry of characters and settings. 'The Physician' is a compelling and immersive saga that leaves a lasting impression.