Synopsis: Set in the center of the known Universe, Sector General gathers the best medical minds and technology from dozens of worlds, all with the goal of healing any creature with any ailment - but the Staff of Sector General might not be prepared for the many amazing and extraordinary creatures that require their help.Review: James White was rumored to hate violence - and his books reflect that. Set in a hospital, these characters strive to preserve life, and look on violence towards any creature as abhorrent. In this atmosphere, we meet Conway and O'Mara, two characters who work to heal others in their own unique ways. Conway, a young and new doctor at the hospital, is at first, a quite unlikable character. Arrogant, bigoted, and self-righteous, and most of the book follows his journey from asshole to good person (and Doctor). O'Mara is a hilarious character, and the banter between him and Conway is well-done. But most of what I like about this book is the treatment of non-Earth-humans. Each is given its own culture, prejudice, food, atmosphere, ideas of beauty and justice, and in short - not Earth-human or even similar to them. Much of the drama in the story comes from the clash and the drive to understand each other, and in particular, to heal those who are different from you. White's creates a well-done world with many excellent characters. A fun, refreshing science fiction story, in particular, suited towards those who want something other then the laser-space-battles and pulpy hero stories.
Note: White has often been accused of misogynist writings.
While that might be true of some of his works, it is relativity absent from
this particular story. True, women are nurses, and it is their physical
attributes that are commented on more than their mental or professional
achievements, but considering the time the book was written (1962), it isn't as
bad as it could be.
Bookmarks: 4 of 5
Awards: None
ISBN: 0-345-29613-3
Year Published: 1962
Date Finished: 4-4-2019
Pages: 191
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