DEAR AND GLORIOUS PHYSICIAN

The physician Luke, author of the Gospel, never actually met Jesus, although he did listen at the knee of the Savior's mother. Nonetheless, his account of Jesus's life is one of the most beloved books of the Bible. Taylor Caldwell's fictionally enhanced version of Luke's biography captures the culture of the Roman empire and its effect on the young physician. John McDonough presents the work with a thoughtfulness and gravity befitting the subject matter. He portrays, rather than performs, the people in Luke's life, offering just a hint of lightness for women, and gruffness for the Tribune Diodorus, Luke's stepfather. With care and sensitivity, McDonough relates the story much as a grandfather speaking to eager family members. Even in the more emotional or exciting passages, he resists the temptation to race through the text, maintaining a quiet dignity throughout. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]