Magnificent Obsession

by Lloyd C. Douglas

Book Overview

When Robert Merrick's life is saved at the expense of the life of an eccentric but adored surgeon, the carefree playboy is forced to reevaluate his own path. Merrick embarks on a course of anonymous philanthropy, inspired by reading the doctor's private papers. An engaging and dramatic story of personal redemption and private sacrifice, this spiritual tale has served as an inspiration for both the stage and screen.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395957745
• ISBN13: 9780395957745
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A magnificent story!

I decided to read MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION because of the enjoyment I found in reading Lloyd C. Douglas's other acclaimed novel, THE ROBE. Each of these novels is very interesting and inspirational. I find Douglas's writing style reads easily; it is fairly descriptive and never dull. He uses several similes in this novel to help the reader better grasp his descriptions, and his use of dialogue is effective in making his characters come alive. MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION tells the story of Robert Merrick, a rich, young man who seeks to make better use of his life after his actions indirectly result in the death of a renowned brain surgeon. Merrick feels obligated to carry on the good deeds of the man for whom his life was spared. He becomes a doctor and, inspired by Dr. Hudson, sets off on a journey to find himself through performing philanthropic deeds and giving much of his time and money to his new cause. He emulates the actions of Jesus Christ, whose life revolved around doing good deeds for other people. Douglas, a former minister, makes several allusions to Jesus Christ and God in this novel. Just like Dr. Hudson, the philanthropist who preceded Merrick and the man upon whom his actions are based, Merrick asks that his deeds are kept secret. Merrick's newfound humility is made evident; he follows Jesus' teachings to seek glory in heaven rather than on earth. This novel presents an inspirational story that we, as Christians, can relate to today. Merrick's actions make a great modern-day parable about recognizing the world's needs aside from our own. I recommend this book to anyone in search of a spiritual read. It has helped me to recognize the needs of others and has deepened my faith by providing Christ's messages to me.

A Book of Spiritual Enlightenment

Having read and loved THE ROBE, another of Lloyd C. Douglas' books, I began reading THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION with high expectations. The book greatly exceeded my expectations. It presents many important messages about Christianity without sacrificing entertainment. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION is a story of the conversion and faith journey of a troubled young man. In order to be at peace with himself about the negative effects his poor decisions and actions have on a beloved surgeon, Robert Merrick begins a series of philanthropic deeds. He follows in the path of Jesus Christ, the perfect model of philanthropy, and in the paths of others before him, including the surgeon whose death may have been prevented if it were not for the reckless actions of Merrick. He becomes consumed with the task of helping others--sacrificing his time, effort, and money in order to do so. Merrick asks that stories of his good deeds are not spread in order that he may be rewarded in a more meaningful way than glory. Christ teaches people to be humble and not seek glory on earth but in heaven. The messages of Christ appear frequently throughout the book. As a result of Merrick's philanthropic deeds and newly developed spiritual life, he gains a more "powerful personality," the goal of all his efforts. His life is turned around and he greatly affects the lives of many others. His actions are emulated by those around him. One many can truly help to change the world. This book shows that humanity on the whole is good if humanity is able to overcome worldly temptations. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION helped me on my faith journey and I believe that it would have the same effect on other readers. I recommend this book to all Christians as it provides the messages of Christ in a clear and modern way.

An Appropriate Title!

This book about obsession actually became an obsession for scores of readers. Lloyd Douglas later wrote about the deluge of mail he received from readers who literally wanted to live out the principles of the novel in their own lives. The book itself, set in the midwest in the prewar years, is the absorbing story of the transformation of a young man. A spoiled, wealthy college youth is inspired, after a brush with death, to follow in the footsteps of a renowned surgeon who was killed in a simultaneous, related accident. This endeavor leads him, reluctantly, to an unexpected life of full-immersion philanthropy. Ultimately the burdens he consents to bear are instrumental in leading him to his highest goals. No review can do justice to Douglas effortless skill in bringing spirituality face to face with practical everyday affairs. Deservedly a classic.

A moral lesson in an immoral world

Magnificent Obsession encourages one to be a better person for purely selfish reasons. The key is to do for others anonymously for the good it will derive you. This book picks up the story where Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal leaves off. A young man, Bobby, is on a course of mediocrity and indifference. He becomes inspired by Dr. Hudson, a respected surgeon who has an idiosyncratic view of life, through a freak accident. When he lives and Dr. Hudson dies, Bobby becomes obsessed with redeeming himself in the eyes of the community and more importantly redeeming himself in his own eyes. To do so, he must find out Dr. Hudson's secret and implement it. This is an excellent book with a morality lesson that is necessary for today' society. Unfortunately, since it was written many years ago, it's references and dialogue is somewhat stilted and dated. Fortunately, the message of dealing with others in a compassionate way while allowing them to keep their dignity will never be stilted or dated.