The Surgeon's Sin: Atonement

By: Dean C Lohse M.D.

Narrated by: Matt Christenson

The paradox of neurosurgery is that it demands perfection but is performed by the imperfect. Mistakes happen. Sometimes small, sometimes hidden, sometimes epic. Sorry is too small a word for the consequences. In The Surgeon’s Sin, Dr. Peter Jenson makes a journey toward redemption after just such a mistake.

With his patient dying, his wife leaving, and his enemies denouncing his ability to practice, he begins the long journey by making a promise he shouldn’t keep to a woman he can’t refuse, and seeking the help he needs from a man he can’t trust. Anxious surgeries in Florida and gunfights in Central America result only in despair. Finally, Peter makes a mutual survival pact with his friend’s widow, a suicidal alcoholic. Together they seek a path of love and forgiveness as he faces the fulfillment of a fatal promise, an act that may cost him everything.

The story is specific to one neurosurgeon, but the journey is common to us all.

©2020 Dean C Lohse (P)2020 Dean C Lohse

Enjoyable and thoughtful story

The main character, Peter, gets tested in so many ways throughout the book. The twists and turns are all around him and it caused me to really root for him to balance it all and come out a better person. Its a very enjoyable book

Transforming a troubled soul

This is a stand-alone story of struggling characters and how they support each other to achieve spiritual renewal. It's an inspiring tale of how God uses us on our journey to impact others.
Each character is relatable and has great depth. I could see myself in the challenges of life crashing down but you can't crash with it. The dialogue was fluid, engaging, and amusing. I also loved the strength they built with each other.
This piece gave me insight about myself and inspired me to recognize we all wrestle with life and need each other.
I highly recommend reading or listening to this book.
Performance wise I thought the narrator was brilliant with dialect and expression. It did feel rushed to me.

Solid Medical Drama

4/5 Stars The Surgeon’s Sin: Atonement by Dean C Lohse, MD

Narrated by Matt Christenson

Run Time: 6 hours and 32 mins



Summary:

Dr. Peter Jensen makes a mistake during brain surgery. The consequences spiral outward, leaving him questioning everything. His marriage is crumbling, his career’s a mess, and he’s forced to take a perilous journey to get some community service hours.



Additional Comments:

- Don’t read the blurb unless you want some major spoilers.

- It’s a Christian book (sort of; there’s a fair amount of gospel truth included), but not a typical one. There are some hard-hitting topics in here including suicide and medically assisted suicide. I’m not saying other Christian books avoid such things, but typically, the main character is a Christian and can deal with their problems through that perspective. Not so in this case. Peter’s journey is realistic, but I don’t think he ever converts, which is typically a hallmark of Christian books.

- I don’t know enough about medicine to tell if the descriptions of surgery are accurate, but I’m assuming they are since the author is a doctor. That said, they’re also not necessarily for the faint of heart. If you get squeamish at descriptions of bloody procedures, maybe try a different book.

- I’d consider it a clean book, despite the medical gruesomeness from time to time. However, I think some people may also be annoyed by the MC using the Lord’s name in vain. He’s not a Christian, so that’s not the issue. The inclusion of that, instead of a reference is enough to annoy people who get annoyed by that. For example, there are no f-bombs in here, nor even the reference to such, but there probably wouldn’t be a conversation including the term even in passing.

- The relationships in here come across as very realistic. The plot points are a tad far-fetched, but that makes the story more exciting.

- Performance is well handled.

- There’s certainly a lot to think about in here. I think it’d be a great book for discussions.



Conclusion:

Exciting family drama combined with medical drama.
*I received a copy for free and chose to write a review. All thoughts are my own.

Great listen

Loved this book! I was surprised by the insight of the medical field, the challenges emotionally they face. We’re so used to being on the other side. The emotions we feel and face as patients, not what lingers on a surgeons heart and soul. The narrator really brought this book to life! I highly recommend.

Convicting and powerful!

Dr. Peter Jensen must find his way. Starting off as a great neuro surgeon, one bad experience after another attacks him. From beginning to end you'll feel like your inside the characters feelings. Jesus can heal and that's shown in this story. Recommend!
Matt does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and doing great voices. You can tell he takes great pride in his work. I. looking forward to more books narrated by Matt! 5 stars!

Narration was awesome

This book almost made me cry. It was definitely not a romance at all. This book follows Neurologist Peter Jenson through the hardest time of his life. His wife is leaving him, he botched a surgery and his enemies are also working to sabotage his career. This isn’t including the promise he makes to the one woman he should have never created a bond with. (I also believe she is the person he needed the most in this time ‌of his life.)
Now the review.
I am not a religious person at all and this book has a heavy Christian presence and is a big part of the plot IMO. I actually think it brought a lot to the story and Peter’s life and added richness to his character plot. This isn't a book I would typically read at all and I was so surprised at how much I actually loved it and I would recommend it.
Now the important part. The narration. Because that can also make or break a book.
Dun dun dun…..
It was amazing, and Matt Christenson is the narrator. I could listen to him narrate anything. I give him 10 stars for this performance.