Dr. Breen's Practice   By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

Dr. Breen's Practice by William Dean Howells is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of small-town life in mid-19th century America. Set in a fictional rural community, the story follows the life of Dr. Breen, a dedicated and compassionate physician known for his unparalleled medical skills and unwavering commitment to his patients.

The narrative is centered around the various patients, families, and relatable encounters that Dr. Breen encounters, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs he faces in his medical practice. Howells skillfully develops the characters, infusing each one with depth and authenticity. Dr. Breen is depicted as a flawed yet deeply empathetic protagonist, torn between his professional duties and personal desires. The author's portrayal of Dr. Breen's internal struggles adds a layer of relatability and depth to the story, making the readers empathize with the character's dilemmas and ethical considerations.

Moreover, Howells seamlessly weaves social and moral issues into the narrative, exposing the deep-rooted prejudices, socioeconomic disparities, and gender inequality prevalent during that era. Through the interactions between Dr. Breen and his patients, the book provides a critique of societal norms and sheds light on the injustices that were pervasive at the time. This social commentary adds an additional layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a simple tale of a country doctor.

The prose in Dr. Breen's Practice is elegant and skillfully executed. Howells' attention to detail and ability to evoke vivid imagery allows readers to immerse themselves in the world he has created, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions of the characters. The narrative flows smoothly, effortlessly guiding readers through the different storylines and keeping them engaged until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the author's ability to capture the essence of rural life during the mid-19th century. The small-town setting is finely crafted, complete with its idiosyncrasies, gossip-driven dynamics, and the close-knit community feeling. Through its portrayal of the town's interconnectedness, the novel explores the delicate balance between privacy and collective responsibility, shedding light on the challenges faced by both individuals and the community as a whole.

Overall, Dr. Breen's Practice is a thought-provoking novel that effectively combines rich character development, social critique, and a compelling plot. Howells' masterful storytelling and profound exploration of human nature make this book a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or insightful commentaries on society. By delicately examining the intricacies of a small-town community through the eyes of a dedicated physician, Howells opens a window into a world that is simultaneously distant and eerily familiar.

First Page:

Near the verge of a bold promontory stands the hotel, and looks southeastward over a sweep of sea unbroken to the horizon. Behind it stretches the vast forest, which after two hundred years has resumed the sterile coast wrested from it by the first Pilgrims, and has begun to efface the evidences of the inroad made in recent years by the bold speculator for whom Jocelyn's is named. The young birches and spruces are breast high in the drives and avenues at Jocelyn's; the low blackberry vines and the sweet fern cover the carefully graded sidewalks, and obscure the divisions of the lots; the children of the boarders have found squawberries in the public square on the spot where the band stand was to have been. The notion of a sea side resort at this point was courageously conceived, and to a certain extent it was generously realized. Except for its remoteness from the railroad, a drawback which future enterprise might be expected to remedy in some way, the place has many natural advantages. The broad plateau is cooled by a breeze from the vast forests behind it, which comes laden with health and freshness from the young pines; the sea at its feet is warmed by the Gulf Stream to a temperature delicious for bathing. There are certainly mosquitoes from the woods; but there are mosquitoes everywhere, and the report that people have been driven away by them is manifestly untrue, for whoever comes to Jocelyn's remains... Continue reading book >>