O peration Wandering Soul has more memorable characters than any of Powers's previous books. Richard Kraft, loosely modeled on Powers's brother, a physician, undergoes the most significant transformation in the novel. His name, German for "power," is a play of words on the author's family name but also relates ironically to the theme of powerlessness that pervades much of the novel.

Linda Espera does not permit herself to fear — and thereby avoid — an emotional involvement with her patients that might completely undo her.

She realizes that the children with whom she works need love and, despite the hazards of proffering it to children who may soon die, Linda gives unstintingly of herself. She is, of course, the catalyst in Richard Kraft's change of demeanor as the novel progresses.

The children in the ward are particularly touching. Tony the Tuff has had an ear lopped off in...