Collection
Description
When Robert Merrick's life is saved at the expense of the life of an eccentric but adored surgeon, the carefree playboy is forced to reevaluate his own path. Merrick embarks on a course of anonymous philanthropy, inspired by reading the doctor's private papers. An engaging and dramatic story of personal redemption and private sacrifice, this spiritual tale has served as an inspiration for both the stage and screen.
User reviews
LibraryThing member britwit123
Terrible writing style, but a great story with a satisfying ending.
LibraryThing member tpfleg
This is an excellent book, and well worth reading more than once. It is an incredible story of the search for forgiveness, and the giving of it. The characters are believable, the emotion is raw. This is one of those books that changed my life.
LibraryThing member justmeRosalie
The Magnificent Obsession is a story written and published in 1929 about a man named Robert Merrick and his journey to becoming a doctor. Along with this is the real focus of the novel, the love story development.
I found the timeframe most interesting. Taking place almost a century ago, the setting
This novel was made into a movie and then remade again in the 50's. Also written by this author are two that are probably more familiar through Hollywood's accomplishments: The Robe and The Big Fisherman.
It was a different way of envisioning what I read,, a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this to those who like a good story with an old romantic movie flavor. It's a light, relaxing read that doesn't require much at all from it's reader yet is very satisfying.
I found the timeframe most interesting. Taking place almost a century ago, the setting
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is modern, but it really felt like a time-travel in that the customs and manners are so different from now. Cars are referred to as coupes, for example. Luncheons are prepared and served. And the freedom to be involved in another's personal affairs with no one knowing about it is surprisingly easy and unencumbered. Life changing decisions were made about some characters without them being aware of what was going on at all. I am old enough to realize times have changed over the last hundred years, but just how, so directly, gives pause to consider. It was a charming diversion for me. I am drawn to think that novels I might read now or in the future could possibly be kept within this time frame. I don't know how to describe the ambience I found there. It had the feeling of twilight in the evening, where everything looks and feels strangely unreal, yet you know it is real.This novel was made into a movie and then remade again in the 50's. Also written by this author are two that are probably more familiar through Hollywood's accomplishments: The Robe and The Big Fisherman.
It was a different way of envisioning what I read,, a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this to those who like a good story with an old romantic movie flavor. It's a light, relaxing read that doesn't require much at all from it's reader yet is very satisfying.
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LibraryThing member DeFor
I really liked the first half and I was willing to follow along with his beliefs and overlook the bad aspects of this novel, but when he started trying to pass his beliefs off as science I gave up.
LibraryThing member obedah
A standout book for any age and one I'll come back to time and again.
LibraryThing member AliceAnna
I really need to see the movie of this because I found the book to be very visual. I'm not sure why, but I really liked the book. It had a nice mood to it.
LibraryThing member kslade
Good novel of personal reform and spiritual power. I was quite involved with it when I read it back then. Maybe a little soap-opera-like but I loved the mystic or magical-seeming part.
Subjects
Publication
Grosset & Dunlap (1929), Edition: Later Printing
Original publication date
1929