Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Medical Thriller ~ Pages: Unknown at time of review ~ Publish Date: 3 Dec 2024
Everyone knows what Bellevue represents. Medical. Hospital. Mental Institution. And just a tad of fear. What we have heard or read or perhaps seen in a movie. But what do we really know about Bellevue? That it is in New York City–actually Manhattan. But did you know it is the oldest public hospital in the United States and began in 1736?
“Bellevue” by Robin Cook starts in 1949 with the Fuller family. Multiple Fullers were doctors at Bellevue going back four generations and Clarence wanted the position of director of the Psychiatric Division. And lobotomies were his way of making that happen. A relatively new procedure (first performed in 1936 but NOT at Bellevue) Clarence believed lobotomized patients would return home, docile rather than combative.
The “doctors” were revered by the Fuller family almost seeming larger than life.
The story moves between 1949 and 2005 when a new Fuller, Dr. Mitt Fuller begins a surgical residency at Bellevue. One of the first things we learn about Mitt is that he has a skill no one, not even his parents, knows about — a precognitive ability, a sixth sense that sometimes allows him to know what people are thinking. Quite handy when trying to please his parents. And the staff of Bellevue also knew of his Fuller history.
Thus begins the meat of the story. While this is a medical thriller, it is also a paranormal thriller. Do you believe in ghosts? You may after reading “Bellevue”. As the family genealogist, I know that what the family sometimes “thinks” about an ancestor or lineage doesn’t always match the facts. And Mitt will learn that as well. But it’s HOW he discovers certain truths. Along with what he sees that others do not. And then there are his first patients — the ones that should come through surgery fine …
And there I stop. “Bellevue” pulls you into the story and doesn’t let go. Since I like medical stories, I immediately wanted to read this latest novel by Robin Cook. When I read the work Lobotomy, I recalled the sadness of learning about President John F. Kennedy’s sister, Rosemary, who was lobotomized at age 23 in 1941. It’s important to remember that at the time, a lobotomy was a recommended treatment. “Bellevue” wasn’t necessarily an easy story to read but it was fascinating.
In the Bibliography, Cook relates that he was a sub-intern at Bellevue in the early 1960s. Perhaps that’s why the description of the original building and the arch that Mitt used were so vivid. I highly recommend this medical (paranormal) thriller.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Bellevue” via NetGalley from the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Striking and a bit spooky.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review
Publish Date: 3 December 2024
#Bellevue #NetGalley #RobinCook
