Breath and Mercy

<p>Life was supposed to get better for Phineas Mann in 1983. After the rigors of medical school residency and fellowship training he lands himself a promising position directing a New Orleans hospital's intensive care unit. His mental and physical limits are soon tested by the soaring demand for his expertise and an exploding AIDS epidemic.</p><p><br></p><p>Then Hurricane Jezebel floods the city and knocks out power plumbing and telephones. Temperatures soar. Supplies run low. As day follows miserable day fatalities fill a make-shift morgue. Through the sweltering fetid gloom Phineas employs his training to alleviate patient suffering...until he faces one terrible threat that will put his entire future in jeopardy. </p><p><br></p><p><em>Breath and Mercy</em> is the prequel to Mark Anthony Powers' bestselling debut novel <em>A Swarm in May</em> and the first book of a trilogy. Through the character of Dr. Phineas Mann the author explores the ethical dilemmas of providing supportive care for dying patients. </p><p><br></p>