📚’A fascinating introduction to a medical intervention’. @CathyRy Reviews Salt Of The Earth by @JJMarsh1 for Rosie’s #BookReview Team #RBRT

Today’s team review is from Cathy.

Cathy blogs here https://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Rosie’s Book Review Team

Cathy has been reading Salt of The Earth by J J Marsh

Set in Switzerland in the early 20th century as WW1 rages, Salt of the Earth tells the story of Seraphine, Bastian Favre and how a doctor’s dogged persistence changed many lives. As the story begins Seraphine is fourteen, helping her mother on their farm in a small isolated Alpine village while her stepfather is fighting in the war. It was a hard life, particularly as many children in the area, including Seraphine’s two younger brothers who she cared for lovingly, were born with terrible disabilities, and adults suffered from a swelling in the neck area.

When the opportunity arose to listen to a talk by Dr Bayard about the health of the people in the valley, Seraphine was determined to attend. That decision changed the course of her life.

‘His frank articulation of the burden they all carried shocked everyone into silence. It was an intrusion, an exposure, as if he had torn off their clothes.’

In 1916 Bastian Favre was released from military service to resume his medical training, firstly assisting Dr Eggenberger, the chief physician in a hospital just outside Zürich and eventually, after passing his final exams, working with Dr Bayard in his practice serving the valleys of the Swiss Alps.

‘What we can achieve in a single quarter will astound you, young man. If I am not mistaken, the possibilities are extraordinary. But documentation is vital. You are here to ensure the methodology and record-keeping are beyond rigorous. What happens in this valley between now and the spring of nest year will form the basis of a letter to the Federal Health Office.’

Salt of the Earth is beautifully and sensitively written, bringing the likeable characters and beautiful setting vividly to life. It is also a fascinating introduction to a medical intervention I knew nothing about. Most of today’s medications are taken for granted without knowing the backstory of how they came about. This was quite eye opening, particularly as thyroid issues run in my family, with such a relatively simple fix, once tested, for the horrendous ailments afflicting the Alpine communities.

The author also gives a captivating insight into the Swiss mountain communities and how they lived, the determination of those in the medical profession who, although hampered by the doubts and dismissiveness of the people and those in authority, continued to fight for their beliefs which, in the end, were proved successful. And the lovely cover compliments the story perfectly.

Book Description:

Based on true events, a forgotten story of courage, conviction and love.

1917: Europe is on the cusp of seismic change. In the Alpine village of St Niklaus, the war seems far away. Yet everyone is fighting a personal battle.

In the shadow of a mountain, 14-year-old Seraphine helps Mama manage the farm while Papa defends Swiss borders. She dreams of seeing the world. After the war.

A young medical graduate arrives in the valley. Under the patronage of a local doctor, he puts his faith in a revolutionary idea. He is determined to influence the world. After the war.

Dr Bayard cannot wait until after the war. In the most beautiful place on earth, people still suffer from a centuries-old affliction. Armed with a theory, two sacks of salt and a mule, Bayard climbs a mountain, intent on treating one tiny village.

The paths of two unlikely young people cross in turbulent times – against the backdrop of one country doctor’s fight against folklore, prejudice and false pride.

Salt of the Earth is a journey of bravery and broken hearts following their call. A quest for love and healing in the face of precarious destiny.

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