In Cruise Ship Doctor, Ivan Cox delivers a rollicking adventure that intertwines medical drama with nautical humor, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. The protagonist, Oliver Loring, is a Harvard-trained emergency physician who embarks on a week-long journey aboard the S/S Nordic Blue, swapping the chill of Boston for the warmth of sun-soaked decks. These narrative invites readers to dive into a world filled with eccentric characters, unexpected escapades, and a touch of romance. This seemingly simple escape quickly spirals into a series of unpredictable escapades that keep readers both entertained and engaged.
Marl Noble Book Review
Title: Cruise Ship Doctor
Author: Ivan Cox
Publisher: Fulton Books (October 20, 2021)
ISBN-13: 978-1639855070
Pages: 438 pages
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Humor & Satire, Humorous Fiction
Reviewer: Hailey Copeland | Marl Noble Book Review
Ivan Cox’s skillful storytelling shines as he crafts a vibrant tableau of characters. Oliver is not just a physician but also a master ballroom dancer, which adds an intriguing layer to his character as he navigates not only the ship's medical emergencies but also the complex dynamics of cruise life. His pursuit of the elusive Ulla von Straff, a melancholic Austrian ballerina, adds a touch of romance that enriches the narrative. The chemistry between Loring and Ulla is palpable, making their interactions both poignant and humorous.
The cast of supporting characters is equally captivating, from the charming Cuban dwarf magician, Tosco, to the whimsical reticulated python, Robespierre. Each character is well-developed and contributes to the overall narrative with their unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. Daria, a waltzing Siberian tiger, epitomizes the delightful absurdity that permeates the story, demonstrating Ivan Cox's flair for blending the surreal with the comedic.
What truly sets Cruise Ship Doctor apart is its ability to evoke laughter while exploring themes of love, adventure, and self-discovery. Ivan Cox’s writing is imbued with wit, ensuring that readers will find themselves chuckling at every twist and turn. The pacing is brisk, allowing the story to unfold like a lively dance, reflecting Loring's own ballroom skills.
Ivan Cox's narrative excels not only as a delightful beach read but also as a perfect companion for a cozy evening at home. The vivid descriptions of the Caribbean and the antics aboard the cruise ship transport readers into a world filled with laughter and adventure.
About the Author
Gerry Yukevich (pen name Ivan Cox) grew up near Pittsburgh in Steubenville, Ohio. He went to Kiski School, Princeton University, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He finished his medical training in Boston at the N.E. Deaconess Hospital and received his M.P.H. from the Harvard School of Public Health. For twenty years, he practiced emergency medicine at Boston area hospitals and pursued literary and theatrical interests in the city.
Gerry was the publisher of Alpha-Bête, a free-form art sheet, and he founded The Buster-Scimitar Garden and Grotto Theater, which specialized in performing European farce and original American plays. During this period, he served intermittently as a ship's doctor in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
He moved with his wife Martha and their daughter Anna to Martha's Vineyard in 1995. He has practiced medicine on the island ever since, while writing novels, farces, and screenplays. He is a longtime supporter of the MV Playhouse, and every June 16 he acts in Arts and Society's "Bloomsday Pageant." Gerry/Ivan's essays, reviews and doggerel appear periodically in the Vineyard Gazette and the MV Times. For more information, check out his website at: www.ivancox.com
Media Contact
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SOURCE Marl Noble Book Review US
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