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Cole Family Trilogy #1-3 omnibus

The Cole Trilogy: The Physician, Shaman, and Matters of Choice

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The New York Times-bestselling author's historical saga of a family of healers--from Dark Ages London to Civil War America to modern-day Boston.
In The Physician, an orphan in eleventh-century London, Robert Cole, becomes a fast-talking swindler. As he matures, his strange gift--an acute sensitivity to impending death--never leaves him, and he yearns to become a healer. Arab madrassas are the only authentic medical schools, and he makes his perilous way to Persia. Christians are barred from Muslim schools, but by claiming he is a Jew, he studies under the world's most renowned physician, Avicenna. Cole's journey and love for a woman who must struggle against her only rival--medicine--make The Physician a riveting modern classic. In Shaman, Dr. Robert Judson Cole, nineteenth-century descendent of the first Robert Cole, travels from his ravaged Scottish homeland, through the operating rooms of antebellum Boston, to the cabins of frontier Illinois. In the wilderness he befriends the starving remnants of the Sauk tribe, who have fled their reservation. In the process, he absorbs their culture and learns native remedies that enrich his classical medical education. He marries a remarkable settler woman he had saved from illness. The Cole family is drawn into the bloody vortex of the Civil War, and their determination to survive in the midst of wilderness and violence will stay with the reader long after the final page. In Matters of Choice, Roberta Jeanne d'Arc Cole is the latest first-born descendant of Dr. Robert Cole. Favored to be named associate chief of medicine at a Boston hospital, she is married to a surgeon and owns a trophy residence in Cambridge as well as a summer house. But everything melts away. Her gender and her work at an abortion clinic cost her the hospital appointment. Her marriage fails. Crushed, she goes to her farmhouse in western Massachusetts, thinking to sell it, and finds an unexpected life. How she continues to fight for every woman's right to choose, while acknowledging her own ticking clock and maternal yearning, makes this prize-winning third story of the Cole trilogy relevant and unforgettable.

1760 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 1996

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About the author

Noah Gordon

54 books1,170 followers
Noah Gordon was an American novelist.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

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5 stars
775 (53%)
4 stars
480 (32%)
3 stars
153 (10%)
2 stars
30 (2%)
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21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Candace.
Author 2 books77 followers
April 8, 2013
I loved the first two books, but the third was a major disappointment. I had a hard time believing the same person authored all three books. The third book was at least two-thirds "tell" versus one-third "show," lacked the masterful character development of the first two books, and was just plain boring. The good news is that The Physician has been made into a movie starring Ben Kingsley as the Persian physician and will be released at the end of the year. I would have given five stars to the first book, four to the second, and two for the third.
Profile Image for Paul Burnette.
Author 1 book4 followers
April 18, 2023
Down through the Ages . . . Rob J Cole is the only name you need to know. The first is a 1000 AD healer and adventurer, larger than life, with a gift for sensing the vitality of any person who joins hands with him. His search for knowledge of healing and his destiny take him from London through Europe to Constantinople and then on through the mid-eastern countries till he studies medicine, as good as it could get back then, at a most famous hospital. The obstacles he faces are daunting and innumerable, making for great suspense throughout. Finally he makes his way back to his wife's holding in Scotland and practices medicine happily for the rest of his days. In Shaman, we visit Cole's descendant in 1800's in the midwest of the United States just prior to, during, and after the Civil War. Shaman does not have the adventures of the first Rob J, but he still has 'the gift' and the tale is much more 'realistic' but really less interesting than The Physician. Last, Matters of Choice is the story of RJ, a doctor in the 2000's beginning in Boston and ending in the rural hill country of New England, where the latest descendant of the original Rob J pursues her own destiny and value in becoming a family physician in a small community instead of the celebrated specialist she had set out to become in her life. Noah Gordon handles the history and geography that underly his stories with ease, and the terrific diversity of cultures his story moves within never obscure the clarity of his characters lives and motives. These are united at a much deeper level than just the family name and are themselves a 'gift' of the highest order for his readers.
Profile Image for Juliana.
755 reviews58 followers
November 26, 2016
This book popped up on my Goodreads recommendations--I was looking for a good historical fiction and the Physician did not disappoint. If you like Rutherford, Follett or Michener--you will appreciate the scope of this book.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,242 reviews38 followers
October 12, 2024
The Trilogy 5-star
I enjoyed the trilogy immensely. Each tells a wonderful story of a warm-hearted, kind, caring doctor who tries to bring healing and health to their community, while living a good life themselves.
Each book tells a different era of medical practice and is interesting in how the medical profession grew over the years.
The writing is also warm and inviting, the characters are interesting and real. I found this trilogy to be a relaxing, enjoyable read.

The Physician 5-star
A very good, relaxing story to read. It follows Rob Cole from his childhood into adulthood. After losing his parents, Rob and his siblings are given to various families for upbringing. Rob finds himself in the care of a barber-surgeon. The story follows his upbringing and his struggle to find his path.
Through his life, Rob grows in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He grows to understand the importance of healing and Life. It's a warm and thoughtful rendition of Rob's life.
Well paced, well written. This story, set in medieval times, gives a good idea of how life may have been in that time. Sure, Rob gets more adventures than one would expect in a lifetime, but perhaps that also happened to the more adventurous of that time. It makes for good reading.

Shaman 5-star
Another wonderful story. Centuries have passed but the warmth and wisdom of the Cole family continues.
This book tells the stories of two Rob J. Cole doctors. The elder Rob J emigrates from Scotland to America, where he wanders and finds his place in Holden's Crossing, Illinois. He's at the forefront of American pioneering.
The book includes & continues with his son, Shaman, a nickname he earns from a Sauk Shaman woman who his father befriended. This story is primarily Shaman's story.
The Cole family are warm, kind, gentle people who, over the ages, continue to strive to be physicians of learning and healing, who work towards finding their place, peace and happiness, through hard times and difficulties.

Matters of Choice 4-star
Another well written story that draws the reader in.
Set in modern times, the story of Roberta Cole is one of high stresses and full schedules in today's medical system. Roberta assessess her hectic life after her divorce and decides to become a country doctor. This story tells of her finding her place and self.
Not as much action or change within Roberta's story as in the other two books, but still very enjoyable and peaceful to read.
2 reviews
August 20, 2020
I read the Physician in 1997 while living in Germany. I distinctly remember finishing it in 1 day (one very long day), lying on my bed in the Eastern block apartment in Jena. It was a gripping story, read well before I had ever entertained any thoughts of becoming a physician.
261 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2016
The Cole Trilogy

I really enjoyed the 1st 2 books of this trilogy- The Physician and The Shaman. I loved all 3 of those Rob J.'s and getting to know them. I liked the last book well enough, but just couldn't like this Rob J. As much as the earlier ancestors. This trilogy takes a long time to read, but is worth reading. I would give the first two books 5 stars, but the third one only 4.
Profile Image for Nancy Schumann.
Author 20 books11 followers
April 8, 2016
This being a three in one it was hard to rate. I enjoyed The Physician. I liked The Shaman. I loved Matters of Choice. I don't know why but the narratives seemed to get more and more enjoyable through the ages they were dealing with. All stories have great detail and are very well researched. A joy to read.
28 reviews
Read
February 6, 2016
What a fantastic read.

I enjoyed this trilogy a lot. I took my time and relished each chapter. I f feel like I have traveled the world with the author. I would recommend this to Book Club's and anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Very well written, versatile, and out of the ordinary.
Profile Image for Jim Kratzok.
1,070 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2019
Loved it!

What an amazing trilogy! The Cole Trilogy: Physician, Shaman, and Matters of Choice trace members of the Cole family from 11th century London to 20th century Massachusetts. What an epic story it is, too! Many of the Cole family possess a 6th sense that allows them to tell when death is near for someone when they hold the other's hands - an invaluable skill to have as a physician if one can avoid the superstitious folks who would likely call it witchcraft or something similar. The first book is the story of Rob J. who goes from being an orphan in London to a physician in the court of the Shah of Persia before ultimately settling in Scotland. The second book, Shaman is about another Rob J. in 19th century Illinois. His son, yet another Rob J. (family naming tradition) takes the nickname Shaman from members of the Sauk indian tribe who are family friends. This book takes us through the Civil War and the racism that was so common in that time (not much different now, unfortunately).The third book is about RJ, the first female doctor of the lineage, in 20th century Boston. She too has the Cole family "touch." This third book has a very different feel than the other two with modern political and medical realities being a large part of the story. It was good but lacked some of the "magic," the creation of a totally unfamiliar way of life, that was so vividly portrayed in the first two books. Dealing with HMOs and abortion rights is not nearly as entertaining a subject. Nonetheless, it was a well written story and ends on, what I believe is, an upbeat note.



Profile Image for Pauline Evanosky.
70 reviews
July 22, 2025
If you don't read another sentence in this review, just read these books. Read them in order. If you are a writer and want to revel in another writer's well-written books, read these books.

As "The Physician" was set in the Dark Ages, "Shaman" picks up the Cole family story during and before the Civil War in the United States. It is a rough story with a lot of cruelty, but then, during war, a lot of bad things happen. I enjoyed seeing the threads that joined the family together, much as different incarnations must have threads that hold them together. "Matters of Choice" is again about the Cole family and is set during current times.

Without giving the endings away, so that you are able to enjoy these books just as much as I did, I flat-out recommend you read them. Noah Gordon writes well. As a writer myself, I enjoy reading other writers, especially good ones. I would say that these three books are the ones I might revisit again. The good ones are like that. So, enjoy. You won’t have wasted your time.
Profile Image for Dixie.
53 reviews
June 3, 2020
The Cole Trilogy, 5 stars for research alone!

I just completed The Physician, Shaman and a Matter of Choice.
Where does one begin!
An an amazing work of research that historical fiction buffs will appreciate. I am not one to write spoilers so you will need to go on your own journey and read this amazing trilogy. The first two books were my absolute favorites, once I separated the third book out of
the trilogy and thought of it as a stand alone I started appreciating it more. Why? Because I felt the style of writing changed, so it brought me up short, once adjusted to the style I started to enjoy it. There were some subject matters that some may have difficulty with, but all three books were life's lessons, cultural diversity, learning growing and accepting, or not!
Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for UChicagoLaw.
620 reviews209 followers
Read
December 8, 2021
"I very much enjoyed The Cole Trilogy: The Physician, Shaman, and Matters of Choice, by Noah Gordon. Each book follows the life of a doctor and his descendants. The Physician takes place in the middle ages in England and Persia, Shaman is set in mid-19th century Illinois and Matters of Choice is based in western Massachusetts in the late 20th century. Gordon creates memorable characters. His dialogue and descriptions vividly portray the social and cultural life of the times. And Roberta J. Cole, the protagonist of Matters of Choice, is a lawyer as well as a doctor! (although the law play little role in the book). The Physician has been made into a movie."

- Gerald N. Rosenberg, Associate Professor Emeritus, Political Science
1 review
November 2, 2024
I found this a very absorbing read. The first volume conjured up the medieval period brilliantly. It reminded me of Hamnet. Right away I needed to know what would happen to these characters. The details of the development of medical understanding were very interesting and well-researched.

Personally I found parts of the second volume had too much detail about the American Civil War, and I found myself skimming and longing to get back to the characters. Once that happened I was once again swept along by the narrative.

The third volume had a different feel to it but was equally absorbing, and the carefully researched theme of medical development was continued. I won't give details of the story, but I had to carry on reading early one morning until I'd finished. Highly recommended.
7 reviews
October 12, 2025
Maters of Choice I considered a short story in the Cole's legacy. Personally I wasn't thrilled with the characters or their interactions but it gave closure.
Now The Physician, Shaman was a different matter, loved the characters, how they interact with one another and evolved.
Have always been querious how Doctors treated human ailments/decease over the centuries and this story brought it to light, the good,bad and the ugly.
How the author minged the Native Americans medical shamans beliefs against those of the White Man was historical. Also the introduction of the American Civil War and how the Doctor's on both sides of the conflict dealt with amputation and disease to the detriment of the average soldier.
Should you be a History buff you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Terry.
91 reviews
February 1, 2018
Best trilogy I ever read, particularly The Physician and Shaman

The Physician is a brilliant mix of several cultures as there might have been in the 11th century. It is truly amazing as to what the first Robert J. Cole had to endure to become a Physician a thousand years ago.
Shaman, set in the middle of the 19th century, is another brilliant historical novel about two generations of family doctors that faced racism, religious and other prejudices, physical handicaps and terrible conditions of war.
A Matter of Choice is a mixture of love and difficulties facing the latest 20th century doctor of the Cole clan. A very enjoyable novel.
70 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2021
Masterful, Addictive, Classic.

These three novels were a masterpiece of adventure, informative, historic and addictive.
I applauds the author for this trilogy. Every chapter begged me to read the next!
So difficult to put down. It was truly enjoyable in every level.
I have recommended it to my friends.
I am hoping that at some point, we may get a fourth novel to explore the life and times of the expected Cole addition!
Thank you Noah Gordon for this excellent Trilogy.














Profile Image for Karla Samman.
332 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2024
La primer novela, El médico, es una excelente historia y muy bien contada. La época histórica me ha parecido fabulosa, el autor me ha transportado en el tiempo y he aprendido mucho de estas culturas orientales tan interesantes, la disfruté mucho.
La segunda novela, Chamán, me pareció muy buena, su protagonista enfrenta una deficiencia física y la supera admirablemente. También me ha gustado la época histórica en que está ubicada.
La tercer historia, La doctora Cole, es la más floja de la trilogía, pero vale la pena leerla.
Profile Image for Mobeme53 Branson.
386 reviews
January 14, 2018
I can't rate this as one experience. The first two books were excellent the third read like a cheap romance novel, not to mention taking a decidedly political view on abortion and health care. Don't get me wrong, I understand the POV and it is close to mine but this book was not the proper place for a diatribe. See my review for each individual book.
Profile Image for Jael and Ben.
6 reviews
January 28, 2019
The first book was my favorite

I liked all three books. I think I enjoyed The Physician the most because it had a very interesting historical setting. Shaman was wonderful even though I hesitated to read it because it was set in the American old west. I didn't think it would be as interesting but it was very captivating. The third book was good.
26 reviews
October 11, 2017
Interesting read

I found the first of technology the better of the three perhaps because it was set in a period we know little of but the contrast as the centuries pass is well paid out
Profile Image for Sekhar N Banerjee.
303 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2017
Interesting experience

The first book was really an interesting story. The second volume was banal and the last book, I cannot still fathom what the author intended to portray. All volumes were however very readable except for some medical details in the last volume.
4 reviews
July 24, 2018
Wonderful Read

I loved the trilogy of the history of the Cole family physicians and their dedication to their country practices and patients through the centuries. Their love and care of their patients was primary to any thoughts of financial success.
34 reviews
October 30, 2019
Best author that I've read this year.

It was a pleasure to read this trilogy. Each of the books were rich in knowledge of the eras described by Gordon. Can't wait to read more of his work.
Profile Image for Verónica De la cruz.
31 reviews
August 6, 2020
Debe ser una trilogía buenísima cuando todo el mundo me la recomendaba, pero debe haberme pillado en mal momento y no he podido con ella.
Pensé que era una maña época, pero fue decidirme a dejarlo a medias y ya llevo 5 libros en 3 meses ...
Profile Image for Nicki.
10 reviews
April 15, 2022
What a pleasure to read the sweeping history of the Cole family though the better part of 800 years. All very different stories, the trilogy is linked by a love of humanity and the power of the human spirit. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Keith.
37 reviews
January 16, 2025
The first two books were a great read. The third book lagged a bit but was extremely enjoyable. Was not a real big fan of book 3, or the way it ended. Without spoiling it, you’ll figure out the authors stance on one of the most important women’s rights issue of the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
34 reviews
March 9, 2025
As this series spans 900 years, each of these books can easily be read separately. Although I enjoyed the last book, Matters of Choice, I liked the first two better. Each was enlightening in its own way and each was well researched and presented.
Profile Image for Leslie.
36 reviews
August 2, 2017
I enjoyed The Physician, got through Shaman pretty well, but after the first chapter or so of Matters of Choice I was really done with the story.
69 reviews
October 24, 2017
I enjoyed all three books in the trilogy, although the first was probably my favorite. I was surprised to see that this American author, who has been writing for decades, is much better known in Europe than the US.
89 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2017
Outstanding trilogy

Enjoyed all three books. The author did a great job of carrying forward the stories. Recommend everyone read all three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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