The Facemaker: One Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I

The Facemaker is a poignant story of the visionary surgeon Harold Gillies, who rebuilt the faces of the First World War's injured heroes and ushered in the modern era of plastic surgery. He established one of the world's first hospitals dedicated to facial reconstruction in Sidcup, south-east England, and restored the faces and spirits of the wounded soldiers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Facemaker is a captivating novel that delves into the remarkable story of Harold Gillies, a visionary surgeon who played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the field of plastic surgery during the First World War. As the war unfolded, the technological advancements in military weaponry surpassed the medical capabilities of the time, resulting in widespread facial injuries among soldiers. Despite the advancements in medical treatments, disfigured soldiers often faced societal discrimination and did not receive the hero's welcome they deserved.

In response to this pressing need, Harold Gillies dedicated himself to restoring the faces and identities of the injured soldiers. He was a Cambridge-educated New Zealander who became deeply interested in plastic surgery after witnessing the human devastation on the front lines. Gillies returned to Britain and established one of the world's first hospitals exclusively dedicated to facial reconstruction in Sidcup, southeast England.

At this hospital, Gillies assembled a team of exceptional doctors, nurses, and artists who worked tirelessly to recreate the shattered faces of the wounded. Their mission was not just to heal the physical wounds but also to restore the spirits of these brave men. Gillies' surgical innovations were groundbreaking, and he pioneered techniques that allowed him to rebuild complex facial structures with precision and artistry.

Through his work, Gillies not only restored the physical appearances of the injured soldiers but also helped them regain their sense of self-worth and identity. He recognized that losing a face was not just a physical injury but also a psychological one, and he worked tirelessly to help these men rebuild their lives.

The Facemaker is a meticulously researched novel that provides a detailed account of Harold Gillies' life and work. It sheds light on the societal attitudes towards disfigurement during the First World War and the challenges faced by soldiers who suffered facial injuries. The novel also showcases Gillies' remarkable talent and dedication to his profession, and his contributions to the field of plastic surgery have had a lasting impact on the world.

In conclusion, The Facemaker is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the lives of the injured soldiers of the First World War and the remarkable surgeon who helped them rebuild their faces and their lives. Harold Gillies' story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of medical innovation to transform lives.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141990293