Shadows of White

Dr Anuj

ISBN:  978-93-90601-13-4

Copyright 2022, Cyberwit.net

Reviewed by LB Sedlacek

This book tells the tale of the journey of a young doctor trying to find his place in the world.  The author in his preface states “The white coat is touched by multiple shadows of love, affection, deceit and rejection.”  Thus, he invites readers to literally step behind the white coat to glimpse these “shadows of white.”

Each chapter is begun with a quote that seems to set the tone for the next pages.  Each chapter is a day in the medical life, so to speak of main character Ashwin Biswas. 

The characters and settings are peppered with realness.  It’s easy to get lost within the paragraphs and truly feel like you are in the midst of a medical emergency, training or dissecting something to learn as if you were also a medical student or young doctor yourself. 

From Chapter Four:  “As Ashwin entered the unit’s premises, a peculiar and stale stench filled his nostrils. It was a mixed stink of the decaying burnt tissue
sticking to the charred patients, along with a concoction of various
ointments and chemicals used for dressings. Despite all measures to
provide good ventilation, the smell was a perpetual part of the ambience
of the Burn Unit. The staff had a hard time getting accustomed to the
smell and the heart-wrenching shrieks and pain of the patients. The
nursing staff was specially trained to take care of the suffering.”

Dr. Anuj’s focus for the character and each situation is unparalleled.  He is able to sustain an essential relationship between reader and writer.  This book shows the story of the young doctor and makes it understandable to anyone unfamiliar with the medical profession.  It not only shows the dimensions of education and finding one’s way in life but it also shows that doctors are human who experience life like everyone else. 

There is a wonderful ambience in each chapter, one that captures the feelings within no matter how light or how dark they may be.  It catapults the reader into the minds of the characters.

Dr. Anuj’s prose is gripping.  It also is filled with compassion and insight.  There is a real celebration of strength in this book.

“Shadows of White” presents real people with authenticity.  Dr. Anuj is an accomplished storyteller.  He writes with certain perception and immense clarity.  This is a spectacular journey to take within the beauty and to unearth the grit behind the white coats.