46 pages • 1 hour read
Samuel ShemThe House of God
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The House of God by Samuel Shem follows medical intern Roy Basch and his colleagues as they navigate their intern year at the House of God hospital, confronting the harsh realities and moral dilemmas of the medical profession during the 1970s. Roy deals with fears, disillusionment, and personal challenges, eventually deciding to become a psychiatrist. The book explores themes of mental health struggles and emotional coping mechanisms.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Samuel Shem's The House of God is praised for its dark humor and realistic portrayal of medical internships, offering a candid look at the dehumanizing aspects of hospital life. While some readers appreciate its raw honesty, others critique its crude language and cynicism. The novel remains a polarizing yet impactful read in medical fiction.
Who Should Read The House of God?
Readers who would enjoy The House of God by Samuel Shem are those with an interest in medical dramas and dark humor, similar to the fans of Catch-22 and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, relishing satirical takes on the reality of medical training and the emotional toll it can impose on healthcare professionals.