Una Vida by Nicolas Bazan, M.D.

October 13, 2009
Amazon.com Five Star Review
David S. Papermaster, MD.
Solomon Professor of Vision Research and Eye Diseases, Emeritus
University of Connecticut Health Center
Farmington CT 06030-3401

Let's see - what would you think of if I threw these few words at you: lagniappe, beignet, Maspero's and Central Grocery? If you do not immediately think of New Orleans, that just means that you most definitely need to come back and visit the Big Easy again… All of those, as well as a few good others, such as the Marsalis family, the mules, the Preservation Hall, a nice jambalaya, the famous Cornstalk fence, a jazz funeral Barq's, Angola, Lead Belly and more make an appearance in the beautifully written "Una Vida" by Nicolas Bazan. More than just scenery, all of those items are part of an intricately woven story with a cadence all of its own.

"Una Vida," a so-called "Fable of Music and the Mind," reveals a fascinating story of a jazz musician and singer, known only as Una Vida (one life in Spanish) to the handful of people who care for and about her. Although she's clearly suffering from Alzheimer's, her music abilities kept part of her mind relatively lucid. This, as well as Una Vida herself, intrigue Dr. Alvaro Cruz, an immigrant neuroscientist, who sets on the convoluted path to discover Una Vida's true identity. The quest will ultimately lead him to several significant revelations, not only about Una Vida and her life, but about himself as well.

Dr. Bazan's book is beautifully written and reveals the width and depth of his interests as well as his obviously extensive education, not only as a scientist but also as a well-read and erudite individual. Just as an example, during the course of the story, he elaborates on such diverse individuals as Dante, Edison, Goya, Aristotle and Marquez, not to mention a number of jazz greats. His insights into music and culture of Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, are perceptive and enlightening. Even taken purely as a fiction, this would be great reading, and when we add to this mix his insights into human psyche and musings on the human brain, dreams, memory, and more, we end with a truly powerful book on living, loving and forgiving. I would highly recommend it to anybody whose life has ever been touched by Alzheimer's or any similar disease which affects human brain, as well as to any reader who enjoys intelligently written and relevant fiction.

March 2009
Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson
Reader Views

Nicolas Bazan, M.D., is a name more often seen in the "Healthbeat" section of this magazine. Bazan, director of New Orleans' LSU Neuroscience Center of Excellence, has already earned respect in the local medical community. Una Vida, the doctor's first novel, features a protagonist suffering from mental deterioration (Alzheimer's disease). Bazan's real-world experience with such illnesses bolsters the realism of his characters, allowing him to successfully weave bizarre setting and characters into a believable tale.

December 1, 2008
BY: LEIGH ANN STUART
New Orleans Magazine

Una Vida - A Fable of Music and the Mind is a unique book about Alzheimer's disease, memory, hope and the cultural history of New Orleans. Nicolas Bazan, MD, one of the world's premier neuroscientists, wrote this novel in such a way that combines his knowledge of the brain with his love of jazz music and the foods and culture of his home city.

Carrie Hill, PhD
November 20, 2008
About.com

Fascinating Read

"This book was interesting from beginning to end- and brought New Orleans, mystery, alzheimer's and history to life. I highly recommend it. I plan on buying copies for friends who have relatives suffering from this disease."

5 Star Amazon Review
November 11, 2008
Sarah Wright (North Carolina, USA)

"This mystical, deeply provocative novel portrays the anguish of Alzheimer's by contrast with the brilliance of the human brain in creating reality from dreams. Neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz embarks on a hero's journey that leads through the history of jazz, the alleys of New Orleans, the tortured imagination of Goya, and the labyrinth of the mind itself."

Leeza Gibbons, founder of Leeza's Place (for the families of Alzheimer victims)

"The last few weeks have brought the delightful news that my good friend and client Nick Bazan, M.D.’s novel and film, UNA VIDA, are both moving forward at last. The novel—check out this great cover—will appear end of the year from Five Star Publications..."

Ken Atchity - http://kenatchity.blogspot.com/

"Nicolas Bazan's novel combines the clinical wisdom of Oliver Sacks with the mystery of Gabriel Garcia Marquez to prove that everyday reality is full of the most extraordinary things."

Marshall Nirenberg, Nobel Laureate in Medicine/Physiology 1968

"Nicolas Bazan is a born storyteller…His story unfolds with many surprises. It's told with great compassion and has the gentle qualities of a sort of fairytale. It's laced with reflections on medicine, the human brain and its aberrations… In all, it's an engaging and pleasurable read."

Edmond Fischer, Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology 1992

"I read most of the book in one sitting and especially loved the New Orleans characters like Una Vida, Handsome John, and Stompleg. Alvaro Cruz - neuroscientist, physician, student of synapses and neurons - goes with the flow to connect the dots between rationality and irrationality, made even more poignant by the damaged images of patients whose memories have faded. It's a brilliant novel, to be read on many levels."

REVIEWS