El Medico by Noah Gordon

This story is based in the life of an orphan, that to survive has to become an aprentice of barber. The story is placed in the 11th century, firstly in London, but when the boy grows he wanted to study medicine in Asia, near Afghanistan. At that time barbers were in charge also of making bleedings and amputations. The boy believed that he has a gift from God, a talent, he knew if a patient would survive or not. When his master dies, he started a 2-year- trip to Asia, disguising as a jew, because at that time mixing with Arabs was forbidden. He reached the capital and entered the medicine college where he study and live fantastic adventures.

A highly recommended book, it transports you completly to Asia and to the 11th century.