BOOK BRIEF

The Good Doctor

Damon Galgut
Guide cover placeholder

The Good Doctor

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Damon Galgut

The Good Doctor

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Africa • Post-apartheid era

Topic
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Good Doctor by Damon Galgut explores the lives of individuals in a rural South African hospital post-apartheid. It follows a seasoned doctor and an idealistic newcomer, delving into themes of morality, loneliness, and hope in a transforming society. The narrative examines the complex dynamics between characters and their environment.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Mysterious

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.8

6,207 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Good Doctor by Damon Galgut is praised for its evocative portrayal of post-apartheid South Africa and its complex character dynamics, which captivate readers. The writing style is lauded for its subtle intensity and psychological depth. However, some critiques highlight a slow-paced narrative and an ambiguous ending that may not satisfy all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Good Doctor?

A reader who relishes complex character dynamics and post-apartheid themes in South Africa, akin to J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace or Nadine Gordimer's The Conservationist, would enjoy Damon Galgut's The Good Doctor. This novel offers a nuanced exploration of personal and political tensions in a divided landscape.

3.8

6,207 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Africa • Post-apartheid era

Topic
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!