Yarbro's novel is remarkable for its unpretentious, low-keyed humanity.

Locadio's Apprentice contains no villains and, in a sense, no heroes—the heroism of the characters is considered such a normal part of their own nature or the nature of their profession that it is made almost unremarkable. For example, whenever a patient expresses profound gratitude to Enecus, the young man is embarrassed: after all, saving lives and alleviating suffering is what a doctor does; that is his or her job. This interpretation of heroism avoids the high drama and self-involved egotism associated with more traditional versions of heroism, especially those depicting destructive warrior heroes or self-destructive martyr types; it therefore widens the reader's perception of what constitutes heroic being and action, and offers a more democratic and accessible model to the average person.

The author brings a similarly humble perspective to her depiction of various...