Paul Faber, Surgeon
by George MacDonald

4 out of 5 stars

Paul Faber is an atheist, but still remains friends with Thomas Wingfold, the curate. The two have lively discussions about God and Christianity, but Paul still continues to deny the existence of God even though he respects Thomas as a person. Paul is called to the bedside of a young woman and, with his skill as a doctor, brings her back from the edge of death. Juliet is a lukewarm Christian at best, and she soon comes to think that Paul might have the truth on his side. Their romance is shadowed by secrets from their past. They try to create a perfect dream of love and happiness together, but they don’t trust each other with their darkest secrets until they begin to seek healing from Christ.
Juliet befriends Dorothy, the daughter of a local minister who has fallen into poverty and begins to doubt his faith when he feels that God has forsaken him. Dorothy also has her doubts about Christianity and feels miserable until she can find her faith again as she sees how God is working in her father’s life.

I really loved this story about various people trying to pinpoint what they really believe about Christ. Each in their own way, they begin to realize that they can’t just dismiss the person of Christ, or attend church because it is socially acceptable. They have to make a personal decision for their soul, accepting Christ completely and thereby radically changing their lives. It was really inspiring and exciting to read about!

I love MacDonald’s writing style. It’s poignant and deeply thoughtful and emotional. The edition I read was unedited, so the writing can be a bit long-winded, but I just let my mind sink into the depths and took my time wading through all the sermons, stopping to think and ponder between chapters. And when I emerged on the other side, I found myself spiritually refreshed and invigorated!