Reviews

The Citadel by A.J. Cronin

cubanpete's review against another edition

This novel has two claims to fame. One, it ostensibly inspired the founding of the NHS. Two, it turned my partner into a die-hard leftie at a tender age. It fails both as a simple story about a doctor's life and as a romance. In 2022, his

Damascean conversion with no real understanding or acknowledgement about what he had put his wife through

is unconvincing. However, the insider look at the state of healthcare pre-NHS is exciting and harrowing. As a side note, I was shocked to learn that an induced pneumothorax was a real thing. I'd encountered in Mann's Magic Mountain and had thought it was just a gruesome invention. Now that I've learned...I cannot unlearn.

rubengarcia88's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

arf88's review against another edition

4.0

I like the first part of this book, the part set in Wales, a lot better than the second half, where I started to find the main character somewhat frustrating.

An easy and fascinated read about health care in the UK before the NHS.

raef's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

thebestdariaever's review

emotional inspiring sad

5.0

lilyevangeline's review

3.0

No big thoughts on this one. A coming-of-age for a doctor that reminded me vaguely of an old favorite, [b:All Creatures Great and Small|32085|All Creatures Great and Small (All Creatures Great and Small, #1)|James Herriot|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393644607l/32085._SX50_.jpg|69329306], though not near as funny. Had a similar emphasis on eccentric old characters in backwater towns resistant to newcomers.

vibartolomei's review against another edition

inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

monsterful_alex's review

4.0

Although the plot is not terribly exciting - more along the lines of "social investigation" rather than "intrigue and drama", Cronin's introspective style gets you hooked from the very first page and keeps you there until the very last. Andrew Manson is not a particularly fascinating character, but the people he meets, how he deals with them, and all the tidbits about medicine in the 1920s make for a very satisfying read, if issues of class, a realistic take on marriage and career, and rural Wales vs 20s London are your cup of tea. I know they are mine, and I relished every word of it!

nguyen_vy's review against another edition

4.0

Truyện kể về Andrew, một bác sĩ trẻ với những ước mơ lớn lao nhưng phải đối mặt với những định kiến, luật lệ của giới bác sĩ London cùng với những cám dỗ về tiền tài. Dù đã hơn 80 năm trôi qua nhưng mình thấy đấy là một cuốn sách vẫn có giá trị thời sự và đồng thời là một cuốn sách hay có thể đọc và ngẫm dành cho những người theo ngành y khoa.

danarossa's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0