Book Reviews
Dr. Sudarshan Chatterjee: The Healer Who Writes Between Heartbeats
Posted on August 4, 2025 by Sakshi Pal
In the world of medicine, Dr. Sudarshan Chatterjee is known as a trusted and accomplished cardiologist. Within the Indian community of Massachusetts, he is equally well known as a friend, philanthropist, and cultural influencer. But beyond the walls of clinics and community events, there’s another side to him — one shaped by poetry, music, and a deep fascination with mythology.
This fall, Dr. Chatterjee is set to release his much-anticipated novel, When All the Gods Died, a work of fiction shaped by more than ten years of research into Greek mythology, the psychology of belief, and the evolution of the divine in modern times.
A Heart in Two Worlds: Medicine and Myth
It isn’t common to find someone equally at ease interpreting an EKG and interpreting the fall of gods — but Dr. Chatterjee does just that. While treating patients with precision and care during the day, he has spent late nights immersed in ancient texts, mythological accounts, and philosophical works that explore humanity’s spiritual history.
His upcoming novel reflects that dual life — the doctor who heals the body, and the writer who examines the soul.
How the Story Was Born
Dr. Chatterjee was raised in a deeply rooted Hindu household, surrounded by stories of gods, goddesses, nature worship, and spiritual values that shaped every aspect of life. After moving to the West, he began noticing a fundamental cultural difference: the presence of divinity in everyday life seemed absent. Where had it gone?
This question led him to ancient Greece — once a civilization filled with gods, rituals, myths, and temples. He was struck by how Greek mythology had left a lasting mark on modern Western thought — from literature and art to psychology and politics — yet the gods themselves had been forgotten.
That contrast fascinated him. Why had India preserved its divine traditions while Greece had not? What does that say about how societies evolve — and what they choose to hold on to or let go of?
These questions grew into a story — one he wrote slowly and carefully, staying true to historical and mythological accuracy, while weaving in deep psychological insight.
When All the Gods Died – A Novel of Meaning, Memory, and Loss
Dr. Chatterjee’s novel is not just a retelling of myths — it’s a profound exploration of belief, identity, and the fragility of divinity in a changing world. The gods of ancient Greece come alive in this book, not just as characters but as symbols of human longing, power, and abandonment.
It’s a story where ancient mythology meets modern questions:
- What happens when gods are forgotten?
- Can the sacred survive in a rational world?
- And what do we lose when we stop believing?
A Passion That Began Long Ago
Dr. Chatterjee’s love for writing began years before this novel. His first book, The Seven Steps, published in 2003, was a moving love story set against the backdrop of the Indian-American experience. Rich with subplots and deeply human characters, it was praised for its emotional sincerity and storytelling charm.
He is also a trained vocalist in Indian classical music, adding yet another dimension to his creative world. Whether through melody or metaphor, Dr. Chatterjee continues to explore how culture, emotion, and intellect intertwine.
Looking Ahead
As the release of When All the Gods Died draws near, anticipation is building — not just among readers of fiction, but among those drawn to ideas that challenge, illuminate, and reflect the times we live in.
This is a book that invites us to think, feel, and reflect — not just about gods, but about ourselves.
Stay tuned for the official launch announcement — a thoughtful and powerful story is on its way.