An Edinburgh surgeon faces a moral and existential crisis when he discovers he possesses the inexplicable ability to cure patients through physical contact.

The protagonist, a man grounded in the empirical world of medicine, must reconcile his scientific training with a supernatural gift that defies logical explanation. As he navigates the high-stakes environment of a modern hospital, he encounters resistance from colleagues and ethical dilemmas regarding the use of his power. The narrative follows his attempts to maintain his professional identity while the burden of his secret threatens to dismantle his personal life and career. The story is presented through a focused perspective that emphasizes the tension between clinical reality and the impossible nature of his condition.

Readers often note the author's ability to blend authentic medical procedural details with speculative elements. Discussion frequently centers on the protagonist's struggle to maintain his professional integrity while grappling with a power that challenges his worldview. Critics highlight the pacing as deliberate, allowing for a thorough examination of the ethical implications of the surgeon's gift. The atmosphere is described as grounded and clinical, which effectively heightens the impact of the supernatural occurrences. Many readers find the exploration of the surgeon's isolation to be the most compelling aspect of the narrative.