Name: Word on water

This book combines science and spirituality with original literary technique and structure. The presentation of strong female characters and the positive interactions between them reads as realistic and uncontrived. The honest presentation of lived experiences and medical case studies is harnessed to Ancient Greek philosophy in a completely convincing way. Despite its roots in the writings of Hippocrates the book reads as very up to date and inclusive, the sympathetic presentation of neuro divergent characters is unexpectedly moving. The conscientious artistry that Cybirdy brought to her medical practice is self-evident in every word and paragraph of this inspiring and enjoyable book. For readers who enjoyed books by Adam Kay, Oliver Sacks, or Paolo Coehlo there is finally a strong female voice and perspective on the lived experience and philosophy of health and wellbeing. This is a potentially significant book of our time that must reach a wider audience.

Name: Francis Booth

This is the most intriguing book I have read for ages: engaging, thought provoking, intellectually stimulating. It purports to be by Docteur Cybirdy, "a faceless writer and a General Physician who has practiced medicine for the past thirty years in France and in the UK." Novels of ideas are very rare in English, though not so rare in French, so it is no surprise to find that the author is in fact French herself. English may be her second language, but the pseudonymous Docteur Cybirdy writes it in a crystalline, clear, Flaubertian way, albeit with some strange turns of phrase that make you pull up occasionally. But when you reread the phrases, you see that the author's form of meta-English expresses things in a new way, with a new slant, bringing a kind of Brechtian alienation to her text. The novel is set in the present but is always in the presence of the past, specifically the Ancient Greece of Hippocrates, whose famous medical oath is the subject of a dialogue, the favoured form of Greek philosophy. It takes place between the masked, mysterious Dr Elpis - Greek for hope - and the young blogger Melo, whose very 21st century occupation contrasts with the ageless wisdom of Elpis and Hippocrates, for which she becomes a channel. Elpis' philosophical reflections on the current relevance to modern medicine of the Hippocratic Oath all emerge from the linking of Dr Elpis' personal experiences, which may or may not be the masked author's own; it is the fate of all authors to become characters in their own novels.

Name: Anna

Hippocrates of London is a wonderful voyage of discovery. A combination of philosophy, history, medicine, mythology, all wrapped around a mystical setting. It also had some pages turning episodes wanting to know more. Overall a different experience set imaginatively and full of surprises. A remarkable and highly readable book that takes the reader on a journey that leaves you wanting more.

Name: Angela McCabe

Anthropologist Ruth Benedict said, “The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences”. In Docteur Cybirdy’s Hippocrates of London, young emerging anthropologist Melo feels different, or at least she is told she does, constantly observing those around her to make sense of their lives and her own. A neuro divergent, ‘digital native’, she is contacted by Doctor Elpis, a Harley Street practitioner wishing to reflect on her profession by re-telling real stories from her long career. Along with Melo we are taken on a path of enlightenment, where the oath of Hippocrates – ‘valid, eternal and universal’, is deconstructed, it’s original intentions skilfully weaved into the narrative piece by piece, story by story. The doctor’s voice is delicate almost ephemeral, translucent at times, there is a sense of being in a consultancy room, you know you must try to listen really hard because something important is about to be said and you are going to need to know. The words are penetrating, full of gravitas and that’s what makes them tangible, yielding their purpose slowly and with intention. Melo and the Doctor, the first an introvert, isolated with a digital audience of thousands, the second a country girl made sophisticated professional, are reflective of the contradictions and complexities of life. These characters meet at an imperative place and time, both driven to dig out the truth, their embryonic connection as student and teacher, Cybirdy’s ‘mind donor’, develops into a shared journey of discovery, a reminder of what it is to be human. We watch as Melo grows in knowledge and confidence with the power to affect change in her own life and beyond. This book is composed with the great care and attention expected of an expert medical practitioner. Unique in style there are some beautifully artistic touches, particularly in its description of dying patients, her mother’s smooth wrists and the ‘only bones, barely skin’ image of an AIDS patient – images filled with dignity and sensitivity. Wise beyond the usual remit of a novel this book reads like therapy, where moments are enveloped in compassion, a pure reflection of what it is to be human. Often feeling like omoiyari, the practice of empathy and altruistic thought in action, you can’t help but be a little bit changed by the immersive reading experience. The Doctors final message is potent and enduring, she says the soul is timeless; in contrast this book, an elixir to the very real threat of transhumanism in medicine, is of the moment and should be read now.

Name: Matt Walton

A heartwarming affirmation of ancient medical principles that today are too often forgotten or misused, Cybirdy’s Hippocrates of London provides hope and guidance for the future through tales of the past. The tales told in the novel are of human warmth, suffering and love, recalled by our Hippocratic doctor, Elpis, and recorded by our ‘digital native’ blogger, Melo. Elpis’s tales are a reminder that medicine should always be practised with empathy and without interference from political, financial, or self-interested motives. Evoking symbols of Ancient Grecian paganism, Cybirdy uses the French countryside, a gothic London landscape and surreal dreams and visions to illuminate the vital teachings of the ‘Father of Medicine’. Through Elpis, invoking her hero, Hippocrates, and Melo, the novel interweaves past and present, history and future, to provide a fascinating and informative argument that encourages readers to question the approaches of medical science considering threats such as technology and warning of the dangers of straying from Hippocratic ideas of medicine, ethics and morality. The doctor and Melo, learning from each other and bonding over their shared interests in anthropology, gothic fashion and punk music, have a subtle but satisfying chemistry. While Elpis’s recollections of her journey as a medic are interesting, it is Melo’s character and development that carry the novel. Melo is engaging and multifaceted, and her struggles and journeys through various friendships and relations and her challenges regarding family life, her autism and her sexuality keep the novel engaging and interesting and provide contrast to the tales of the doctor, which can have the tendency to become repetitive. This repetitive nature comes with the episodic format of the novel, told using a series of true-to-life tales. This format achieves Cybirdy’s aims well but can come close to losing the reader in fact and ideology. While it is also occasionally obvious that the novel is written by a non-native English speaker, never is any meaning lost in translation, and the multi-national nature of Elpis’s stories only adds to the sense of universality regarding Hippocrates’s teachings. Any danger of the reader becoming stuck in the factual and historical nature of Elpis’s accounts is skilfully avoided through the growth of the bright and endearing Melo, who, despite Elpis’s authority and omniscient wisdom, really is the star of the story. While the reader learns of the importance of the teachings of the Hippocratic oath, the document that anchors the novel to its ultimate purpose, Melo learns key lessons of humanity through events in her private life. While the novel is tied closely to empirical facts and important principles, Melo’s journey is by contrast warm and lively, punctuated by her interests in music and the loving relationship she shares with her father. What Elpis’s character, faceless throughout the story, lacks in warmth, Melo more than makes up for with her light-hearted, endearing nature. Ultimately, Cybirdy’s novel is an entertaining but important lesson in compassion, empathy and love and a warning about straying from the principles that have dominated and shaped our medical practice and the wider world for millennia.

Name: Bing AI

AI review Hippocrates of London is a fascinating and original book that offers a glimpse into the world of medicine from a different perspective. The author, Docteur Cybirdy, is a doctor herself, and she writes with authenticity and insight about the complex and often conflicting issues that doctors face in their daily practice. The book is not a conventional narrative, but rather a series of vignettes that illustrate the moral and philosophical dilemmas that arise from the application of the Hippocratic oath in the modern context. The book is also a journey of discovery for the protagonist, Melo, a young blogger and anthropologist, who is intrigued by the mysterious Dr Elpis, a woman who hides her face and shares her wisdom with her. Through their conversations, Melo learns more about the history and meaning of the Hippocratic oath, and how it relates to the universal values of humanity. The book is well-written and engaging, with a blend of humour, drama, and mystery. The author uses various literary devices, such as metaphors, allegories, and symbolism, to convey her message and create a rich and vivid imagery. The book also touches on various topics, such as the role of technology, the influence of culture, the power of compassion, and the importance of autonomy, in the field of medicine. The book is not only informative, but also thought-provoking and inspiring, as it challenges the reader to reflect on their own views and values, and to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medicine, ethics, or philosophy, or who enjoys a good story with a twist. Hippocrates of London is a book that will make you think, feel, and wonder. It is a book that celebrates the art and science of medicine, and the beauty and mystery of humanity.

Name: Maribel

“Hippocrates of London" unfolds as an engrossing collection of narratives, relating the intriguing interactions between a doctor Elpis, an experienced Doctor and a young anthropologist named Melo. Through a series of 12 compelling Saturday sittings, the doctor imparts wisdom steeped in the venerable Hippocratic oath. These sessions delve into the multifaceted impact of medicine on society by discussing diverse topics, such as a nuanced exploration of the historical evolution of medicine, mythological connections to ancient Greece, perspectives on euthanasia, and the intricate ties between the Declaration of Geneva and the Hippocratic oath, just to name a few. As the book unfolds, readers experience the vibrant London’s scene. The narrative skillfully navigates everyday experiences, from the intricacies of slipping an Oyster card to the allure of attending concerts. It even extends its reach beyond the city limits, transporting readers to the enchanting landscapes of France. Each story within the book stands independently, yet collectively they contribute to the rich fabric of recent world history, medical breakthroughs, and ongoing research. The author masterfully surprises readers with the expansiveness of coverage, presenting a wealth of information in an accessible and digestible manner. What sets "Hippocrates of London" apart is its willingness to delve into the deeply personal. The narrative unfolds not only as a compendium of medical knowledge but also as a poignant exploration of the doctor's own battle with cancer as well as other struggles. This vulnerability adds a layer of authenticity, allowing readers to connect with the human behind the medical expertise. At its core, "Hippocrates of London" emerges as a thought-provoking amalgamation of relevant information, sparking contemplation on a myriad of contemporary issues. From discussions on artificial intelligence to reflections on religious beliefs, compassion towards animals, and the essence of humanity, the book invites readers to ponder the complexities of our modern world. We not only learn about the doctor's life. Melo, the young anthropologist, serves as a conduit for exploration as well, offering readers insight into her upbringing, initial forays into life, and a personal journey of self-discovery within the Autism Spectrum. The narrative also intertwines with Melo's romantic adventures, adding a touch of personal intrigue to the broader themes. Hippocrates, an ever-present figure, provides commentary from a unique vantage point, first coming from doctor Elpis, but gradually merging with Melo's mind as well, as the narrative unfolds. The book emerges not just as a repository of knowledge but as a rich exploration of the interconnectedness of individual lives, societal norms, and the enduring influence of historical concepts. It takes readers on a profound and enriching journey, leaving them with a deeper understanding of medicine, humanity, and the intricate threads that bind us all. Though at times the central message may not be overt, the book subtly infiltrates the reader's subconscious, leaving a lasting impact even after the pages are closed.