4-STAR REVIEW: THE KING’S ANATOMIST by Ron Blumenfeld

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The Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2021

A revolutionary anatomist, a memory-laden journey, and a shocking discovery.

n 1565 Brussels, the reclusive mathematician Jan van den Bossche receives shattering news that his lifelong friend, the renowned and controversial anatomist Andreas Vesalius, has died on the Greek island of Zante returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jan decides to journey to his friend’s grave to offer his last goodbye.

Jan’s sentimental and arduous journey to Greece with his assistant Marcus is marked by shared memories, recalled letters, and inner dialogues with Andreas, all devices to shed light on Andreas’ development as a scientist, physician, and anatomist. But the journey also gradually uncovers a dark side of Andreas even as Jan yearns for the widow of Vesalius, Anne.

When Jan and Marcus finally arrive on Zante, the story takes a major twist as a disturbing mystery unfolds. Jan and Marcus are forced to take a drastic and risky measure that leads to a shocking discovery. On his return home, Jan learns that Andreas was an unknowing pawn in a standoff between King Philip of Spain, his employer, and Venice. When he arrives home in Brussels, he must finally reckon with his feelings for Anne.

A debut novel by Ron Blumenfeld, The King’s Anatomist is a fascinating medical history blended eloquently with meaningful relationships and a riveting mystery. Set within a pivotal time in European history, the story carries readers through some of the most important medical discoveries while engaging them in a deeply personal story of growing older and confronting relationships. A fictional masterpiece with real and relevant historical sources, The King’s Anatomist is as enlightening as it is enjoyable.

The Review

Like medical students before him, Andreas Vesalius knew the Greek physician Galen set the standards as the final authority in medicine. However, Vesalius found himself questioning whether Galen’s observations regarding anatomy were correct. Author Ron Blumenfeld delves deep into the 16th century for the historical mystery titled The King’s Anatomist.

At the beginning of the book, the author provides a timeline of milestones for Vesalius and a guide of historical figures appearing in the story. I found the guide to be especially helpful in navigating the characters and understanding their relevance. Additionally, there is a list of illustrations that appear throughout the book. All of this information, presented before even the first chapter, helps to showcase the book as having its roots in history. The beauty of historical fiction is being able to take those historical elements and use them to provide an engaging story.

Using personal letters, the story unfolds with a mix of past and present. Of particular interest is Vesalius’s early adventures in the dissection of animals and the development of theories. The mystery aspect unfolds with an investigation into Vesalius’s death by one of his close friends, Jan.

I found the story to be interesting, despite it being something I typically wouldn’t select. The author’s skill was evident in the development of the details. The King’s Anatomist sheds light on a little known piece of history.

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About The Author Ron Blumenfeld is a retired pediatrician and health care executive. Ron grew up in the Bronx, New York in the shadow of Yankee Stadium and studied at City College of New York before receiving his MD degree from the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center. After completing his pediatrics residency at the University of Arizona, he and his family settled in Connecticut, but Tucson remains their second home. Upon retirement, he became a columnist for his town’s newspaper, a pleasure he surrendered to concentrate on his debut novel, The King’s Anatomist (October 12, 2021). Ron’s love of books springs from his childhood years spent in an antiquarian book store in Manhattan, where his mother was the only employee. He enjoys a variety of outdoor sports and hiking. He and his wife Selina currently reside in Connecticut and are fortunate to have their son Daniel and granddaughter Gracelynn nearby.