In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Dwinnells shared the inspiration behind his novel, which was drawn from a personal experience during his medical school years. He was involved in the care of an elderly woman battling pancreatic cancer, and through that experience, he learned profound lessons in compassion and empathy. We talked about the book’s protagonist, Jack—a medical student who initially lacks compassion—and how this patient saw potential in Jack, teaching him the very qualities he was missing.

Betsy Wurzel and Dr.Dwinnells delved into whether compassion and empathy can be taught, reflecting on how the medical field operated in the early 80s. Dr. Dwinnells also spoke about the other characters in the novel and how they each contributed to Jack’s personal growth, helping him to discover his true potential.

This book is a love story—between partners, friends, and Jack’s journey to finding his authentic self. We explored themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories, even after losing a loved one. Betsy believes this novel will make you laugh, cry, and deeply touch your heart.