Set against the backdrop of 1860s café culture this beautifully written novel follows artist and homeopath Dr Paul Gachet as he tries ? against strong resistance - to change the face of traditional medicine. Running parallel with Dr Gachet's efforts to effect change are his peers - the rogue painters - set to become the Impressionists, who drink and dine and frequent the Parisian salons, revolting against the ideals of the art establishment. Gachet's obsession with the benefits of homeopathy lead him to explore the spirit of substances by testing them upon himself, causing him to teeter on the brink of self-induced madness as he agonises over his success and credibility within his chosen path ? and the sacrifices he has made to follow it.
He has a breakthrough when he brings Camille Pissarro's brother back from the brink of death using one of his unlikely medicines but then when he successfully treats a young prostitute at the hospital Salpêtrière who is diagnosed with insanity, he discovers that there's much more than just his integrity at stake. A rich and involving novel evoking the heady atmosphere of 19th century Paris, and the colours and characters of the artists of the time, the powerful debut from Michelle Shine will appeal to fans of atmospheric and authentic period drama and historical fiction.
