The Dear Liar by Edgar Wallace
In a conservative town, a young woman doctor, Sylvia Crest, struggles to establish her practice amidst skepticism and prejudice against female physicians. Despite her qualifications and determination, she faces significant challenges, particularly from the local working women who prefer male doctors. Her fortunes begin to change when she is called to treat Fay Picton, the daughter of the influential industrialist Jonas Picton, who is suffering from a spinal condition. Sylvia's initial diagnosis suggests that Fay's condition can be treated without surgery, a belief that aligns with Jonas Picton's aversion to surgical interventions due to past family tragedies. This newfound confidence in her abilities leads to an influx of patients, as the town begins to recognize her potential, largely due to her association with the Picton family. However, her self-assurance is tested when she encounters Alan Brock, a fellow doctor who has fallen into disrepute due to substance abuse. He challenges her confidence, suggesting that she lacks the temperament for medicine and that her diagnosis may be flawed. Despite his criticisms, Sylvia remains resolute in her treatment plan for Fay. As Sylvia develops a bond with Fay, the young girl expresses skepticism about her condition, believing that surgery is the only viable option. This complicates Sylvia's efforts, as she grapples with her own doubts and the pressure to succeed. When Fay's condition worsens, Jonas Picton insists on consulting John Wintermere, a renowned surgeon and Sylvia's former mentor, which leads to a confrontation of professional egos and personal histories. Wintermere's arrival brings tension, as he questions Sylvia's diagnosis and ultimately determines that surgery is necessary. This revelation shatters Sylvia's confidence, leading her to question her abilities and the validity of her treatment. Despite her initial resistance, she recognizes the importance of prioritizing Fay's health over her professional pride. After the surgery, Wintermere reveals that the operation was unnecessary and that Sylvia's treatment would have sufficed. This revelation forces Sylvia to confront her insecurities and the harsh realities of her profession. In the end, she decides to leave medicine, believing that her failure to save Fay undermines her credibility as a doctor. The narrative explores themes of gender roles, professional identity, and the complexities of personal relationships within the medical field. Sylvia's journey reflects the struggles of women in a male-dominated profession, as well as the emotional toll of medical practice. Ultimately, the story culminates in a bittersweet resolution, as Sylvia acknowledges her limitations while also recognizing the value of her experiences and the relationships she has forged.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1930 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Medical Fiction · 6,776 words
First lines
Sylvia Crest walked back to her surgery, her quick steps beating time to the song of triumph in her heart. She had declined Jonas Picton's offer to send her home in one of his many cars. Walking, movement of any kind, physical action she wanted to work down the bubbling exuberance which was within her. So she swung down the hill from the big house and through Broadway into busy Market Street, and people who knew her and who observed the lifted chin and the light in her eyes, saw Tollford's one woman doctor as a new being. They saw, though this they could not know, merely the reaction from months of depression bordering upon despair, months of waiting when her most precious quality, her faith in herself and her invincibility had been gradually shrinking until she had almost lost hold.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dear Liar is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Medical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
- Length: 6,776 words
- Structure: 1 section, 217 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Drama — The central themes revolve around personal struggles, professional challenges, and emotional relationships, highlighting the human experience.
- Romance — The interactions between Sylvia and John Wintermere suggest a romantic subplot that influences the characters' decisions and emotional states.
- Medical Fiction — The narrative focuses on medical practice, the challenges faced by a woman doctor, and the ethical dilemmas in treatment.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
mystery · thriller · suspense · crime · deception · intrigue · romance · betrayal · secrets · investigation · drama · plot twist