Customer Reviews

Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal

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"Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal" was written in 1939 and is the inspirational story of Doctor Hudson who knew a life secret, actually an epiphany, based upon a single line from "The Holy Bible," and found specifically in the Book of Matthew. He kept his life secrets in code, a document which was found among his belongings subsequent to his untimely death, in another of Douglas' fine works, "Magnificent Obsession." "Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal" was brilliantly conveyed in first person, a difficult task for any author.

"Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal" is NOT a sequel to "Magnificent Obsession" which was written ten years earlier in 1929. Douglas himself referred to "Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal" as an "Overture" to "Magificent Obsession". The latter work is the story of an aristocratic, reckless, and drunken playboy (Bobby Merrick) who, through a comedy or errors, inadvertently causes the death of the beloved Doctor Hudson. From there, Merrick's life is changed forever and so "Magnificent Obsession" goes forward with his life story.

However, one could reasonably assert that the two works were written "out of sequence" and if you read one, you'll really benefit by reading the other, even though each of these novels stands on its own. It really does not matter which you choose to read first.

Lloyd C. Douglas, who lived from August 27, 1877 to February 13, 1951, was originally ordained as a Lutheran minister but later changed denominations to become a minister in the Congregational Church. His greatest novel, "The Robe," was written in 1942 and focuses on the fictional story of the Roman Centurion who killed Jesus Christ at the crucifixion and ultimately found himself in possession of Christ's robe. This work was made into a fine film and the book itself sold over two million copies.

"Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal" often gets passed over by many who have erroneously heard that it's "religious reading," likely due to the actuality that the author was a minister. To the contrary, while there exists a certain religiously moralistic undertone to the story, this book is a great example of fine American literature of the First Water, albeit it's a bit melodramatic in places. Highly recommended.

Something a bit special.
This book and 'Magnificent Obsession' influenced my teenage years, my maturity and now .... my old age!
Everyone should enjoy Lloyd C Douglas and experience the special moments in each of his books.