The Trauma ICU of a Level 1 trauma center is the setting for this thought-provoking novel, which reveals the ruthlessness of medical education and practice. James Fleming recounts a day in the life of a resident in emergency medicine at an urban teaching hospital. The novela (TM)s title, which translates loosely as a oeI thirsta echoes the Christ of St. John. Tengo Seda (TM)s protagonist, however, known only as Hovercraft because he is a oealways around, always feeling on edge, a is not a savior but a hapless resident with a tendency toward mysticism. Through HovercraftAfA[aa sAaa zA[s sleep-deprived eyes we see patients and their families, doctors, and nurses, and we share Hovercrafta (TM)s increasingly nightmarish perceptions of a world in which things are not going right.
a oeThe story is remarkably raw and honest, full of mystery instead of certainty, failure instead of success, and humanity instead of science.a --Frank Huyler, author of Right of Thirst
a oeA brutal and beautiful book. I read it straight through in one sitting, totally absorbed, deeply touched and frightened at the same time. The writing is taut, edgy, and original with not a wasted word . . . James Fleming has written a small, tough masterpiece.a --John Nichols, author of The Milagro Beanfield War
a oeStripped-down, elemental, and willing to explore feelings of alienation and rebellion felt by a significant minority of medical students, interns, and residents.a --Paul Linde, author of Danger to Self: On the Front Line with an ER Psychiatrist
- ISBN13 9780826349538
- Publish Date 30 September 2010
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 22 March 2021
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of New Mexico Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 144
- Language English