In each of his best-selling novels, Hailey assembles a cast of instantlyrecognizable heroes, heroines and villains, summarizes their backgrounds, ambitions, fears and weaknesses, and puts them in situations in which they act in a predictable manner. Although frequently faced with major crises, these characters are rarely self-questioning or introspective and never escape from their stereotypical roles.

The only significant change Hailey makes in his standard method of characterization in Strong Medicine is to place a woman at the center of the story. Celia de Grey Jordan begins her career as a drug salesperson, the first woman ever to hold such a position at Felding-Roth, and she rises through the ranks to become president and chief executive. As the story develops, she demonstrates superior courage, integrity, and foresightedness, never losing faith in herself or her will to fight for what she believes. In 1960, she convinces her superiors not to...