Mr Hammond and the Poetic Apprentice

During the summer of 1814, Thomas Hammond, an apothecary surgeon in a village near London, mentors John Keats, an 18-year-old orphan. Despite their initial differences, they develop a grudging respect for each other, and Thomas recognizes John's talent as a surgeon. However, John unexpectedly abandons medicine for poetry, leaving Thomas devastated and questioning his purpose. Through facing his past mistakes, Thomas learns valuable lessons about life and finds meaning in his work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Summer, 1814. In a quaint village nestled near London, Thomas Hammond, an apothecary surgeon, grapples with the weight of a shameful secret that has shattered his dreams of a grand medical career. Deeply yearning to see his apprentice, his son Edward, flourish as a remarkable surgeon, he also nurtures an eighteen-year-old local orphan named John Keats. Thomas perceives John as a daydreamer, wasting time immersed in books rather than honing his medical skills. However, John, driven by a genuine curiosity and empathy for his patients' suffering, poses a challenging question to Thomas: how does he cope with the relentless pain and suffering inflicted upon them in a time when Georgian medicine is plagued by brutality, lacking anesthesia, antiseptic techniques, and antibiotics?

Undeterred by his initial skepticism, Thomas and John gradually forge a grudging respect for each other. Thomas begins to recognize a profound humanity in John's approach to patient care, which contrasts sharply with his perception of him as a mere daydreamer. Their relationship evolves into a bond that transcends their initial differences, resembling a father-and-son relationship. Meanwhile, Thomas' true son, Edward, disappoints him by lacking the same passion and dedication for medicine. Thomas realizes that John possesses a remarkable gift and possesses the potential to become a skilled surgeon. However, to assist John in realizing his full potential, Thomas must confront his own past mistakes and rectify the shortcomings that hindered his own career.

As John approaches the brink of qualifying as a surgeon, a sudden turn of events shocks Thomas. John, driven by an unwavering passion for poetry, abandons medicine, choosing to pursue his artistic endeavors. Thomas's heart is shattered, and he finds himself grappling with a profound sense of loss and purposelessness. As he faces a final challenge, can Thomas, the master, learn valuable lessons about life from his poetic apprentice before it's too late?

In this poignant tale, Thomas Hammond's journey explores the complexities of mentorship, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's true calling. Through his interactions with John Keats, Thomas confronts his prejudices, discovers the value of empathy, and learns to embrace the beauty of poetry as a means of healing and self-discovery. The story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths can lead to the greatest fulfillment and that the lessons we learn from our apprentices can shape our own lives in profound ways.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803136769