A fascinating fictional look at the attempt of physicians to treat yellow fever in the late 1700s, through the eyes of a young apprentice. The young teenager is an apt vehicle for perspective, as Fleischman develops Lep's admiration and confidence in his truly honorable master. When Dr. Peale acknowledges the limitation of his knowledge, Lep faces an internal crisis that must be resolved. Along the way, Fleischman shows how religious superstition perpetuated confusion about the reach and limits of medicine. Worthwhile reading, but a book to be discussed, particularly for a Christian audience. Christians DO misunderstand the Bible. Science and medicine is not at odds with Christianity, but an able teacher can help clarify questions that will surely come with this book. What is the role of faith in medicine? Can it be explained simply by the placebo effect? How did unscrupulous people use greed and the Bible to defraud people? How can Christians today avoid falling into the trap of deception? Is studying science the only answer? Is it an appropriate approach? Good reading.