Doctor at Sea (novel)

Doctor at Sea (novel)

Doctor at Sea is a novel written by British author Richard Gordon, the pen name of Gordon Ostlere. It is the second book in the series that began with Doctor in the House, and it continues the humorous adventures of Dr. Simon Sparrow. After his experiences as a medical student in Doctor in the House, Sparrow decides to leave the hospital setting for a while and signs up as a ship's doctor on the SS Lotus, an experience that brings him into a variety of comedic and romantic escapades.

Plot Summary

The novel follows the young doctor, Simon Sparrow, as he embarks on a journey as the ship's doctor aboard the SS Lotus, hoping for a peaceful and relaxing time away from the hospital. However, he quickly finds that life at sea is anything but calm. He deals with seasickness, both his own and that of the crew and passengers, and encounters a range of peculiar characters and situations. From treating unusual medical conditions to getting involved in a love triangle and facing the wrath of the ship's captain, Sparrow navigates through his maritime adventure with humor and a bit of luck.

Characters

• Dr. Simon Sparrow: The protagonist, a young and somewhat naive doctor looking for adventure and a break from the hospital life.
• Captain Hogg: The blustery and authoritarian captain of the SS Lotus, who often finds himself at odds with Sparrow.
• Sister Hogg: The captain's attractive daughter, who becomes a romantic interest for Sparrow.
• Other characters include a variety of sailors, passengers, and other medical personnel, each adding to the comedic mishaps and adventures on board the SS Lotus.

Themes

The novel explores themes of adventure, romance, and the absurdity of life in a confined space like a ship. It also delves into the challenges and rewards of the medical profession, albeit in a much less conventional setting than a hospital. The humor in the book often arises from the clash between Sparrow's expectations of a serene sea voyage and the reality of the chaotic, unpredictable life on board.

Reception

Doctor at Sea was well-received upon its publication, praised for its wit, humor, and engaging storytelling. It solidified Richard Gordon's reputation as a master of medical humor and led to several more books in the Doctor series, as well as adaptations into film and television.

Adaptations

The novel was adapted into a successful film in 1955, also titled Doctor at Sea, starring Dirk Bogarde as Simon Sparrow. The film's success helped to popularize the series and introduced the character and his humorous medical adventures to a wider audience.

See Also

• Doctor in the House
• Richard Gordon (author)
• Doctor in Love
• Doctor at Large