Mary Doria Russell is one of my favorite all-time authors - and this was my least favorite book of hers. She did her research, as usual; she is a good storyteller, as usual; she shows her sense of humor, as usual. I think the problem I had with this book is my lack of knowledge - and simply - my lack of interest in Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. I have never really enjoyed western-themed novels, with one huge exception, which is "Lonesome Dove" - a novel that I absolutely loved. I was hoping that "Doc" would be like "Lonesome Dove", but it wasn't.
What I did find interesting is reading about tuberculosis. My Grandmother spent five years in a Sanatorium for tuberculosis when my mom was a young girl. She was never the same after leaving the Sanatorium. I thought it was interesting that people didn't talk about it. Everyone knew what Doc was suffering from, just like they knew what Belle Wright was actually suffering from (not a "bad cold"), and yet no one did anything about it! Doc drank his bourbon to ease his cough, but he was a doctor for heaven's sake! You would think he would want to do something about it other than drink himself to death. But, I suppose you need money to enter a Sanatorium, which he never had for long - and he did move a couple of times to try to ease his symptoms.... A different time with different "solutions" I guess.
I didn't really attach to any character in the book, which is odd for me. In order for me to really like a book, I have to connect to someone - or something - and I didn't. I did admire Doc for his interest and perfectionism when it came to dental work. I didn't care for Kate at all though. All the drama! I didn't understand their relationship. Kate continued to be a prostitute; stole Doc's money; was a horrible person when she drank. Seriously! What was the attraction??
So, while I look forward to reading MDR's next book, I hope it's not set in the wild, wild west. ;)
Wendy's Rating: ***
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