Shadow Doctor: The past awaits 

The second book in Adrian Plass's Shadow Doctor series is a page-turning read that documents very real and messy relationships 

Shadow Doctor: The past awaits
By Adrian Plass
Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 978 1 473 67525 4
Reviewer: Jeannie Kendall

 
Adrian Plass is arguably one of our most loved and most read Christian authors, who over his writing career has written in a number of different styles. This book is a novel, the second in the Shadow Doctor series, and takes the story begun in the Shadow Doctor on – so if you have not read the first one yet, start there! No spoilers in the following!

The Shadow Doctor, an enigmatic figure, is accompanied by Jack, not without his own issues but forced to learn to look at life and faith a little differently. This book, like the last, sets their growing friendship against the interwoven stories of those they are seeking to help. These are not neat stories, which is what makes them so real and relatable. There is also a profound humanity in the two main characters which many of us, who have experienced more plodding than miracle, will read with a sigh of relief.

Perhaps others may wish for the safer climes of black and white thinking, in which case this book, like the other, may at moments frustrate. I loved it however: it is a page-turning read, makes us think about other people with their individual stories and struggles, and most of all the God who is with us in our mess and muddle.

If you liked the Shadow Doctor, you will like this too. If you have not yet tried this series, I commend it to you.

Jeannie Kendall, Co-minister Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church, Associate lecturer Spurgeon’s College, Member of Management Board Sutton Street Pastors, author “Finding Our Voice”