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avid_d's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
sfletcher26's review against another edition
3.0
Credited as a writer who inspired and was inspired by Nye Bevan (the architect of the NHS in the UK) this does read a little like a manifesto in places. Despite that it is an easy and engaging read if not a little melodramatic in places.
An enjoyable book club read and one which should prompt some good discussion at our next meeting.
This was also my first eRead. I have been an arch physical book lover all my life and have eschewed Kindles and eReaders of all descriptions. Because this book is unavailable currently in any format other than Kindle edition I was forced to have to at least give it a go. And, if I'm honest, it wasn't that bad. It was easy to use and keep to hand and is great come lunch time at work as its so much easier eat and read at the same time. That said I still don't feel like I've actually read a book. I may never be a fan of eReaders but I'm not at least not dead set against them.
An enjoyable book club read and one which should prompt some good discussion at our next meeting.
This was also my first eRead. I have been an arch physical book lover all my life and have eschewed Kindles and eReaders of all descriptions. Because this book is unavailable currently in any format other than Kindle edition I was forced to have to at least give it a go. And, if I'm honest, it wasn't that bad. It was easy to use and keep to hand and is great come lunch time at work as its so much easier eat and read at the same time. That said I still don't feel like I've actually read a book. I may never be a fan of eReaders but I'm not at least not dead set against them.
emmavardy2's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cflam38's review against another edition
5.0
“I’ve done something; oh God! I’ve done something real at last.”
“If we go on trying to make out that everything is wrong outside the profession and everything is right within, it means the death of scientific progress.”
“If we go on trying to make out that everything is wrong outside the profession and everything is right within, it means the death of scientific progress.”
kimnovak's review against another edition
4.0
"If we go on trying to make out that everything's wrong outside the profession and everything is right within, it means the death of scientific progress. We'll just turn into a tight little trade protection society."
It's this idea that's at the center of the book, the 'citadel' of the title, and what the main character is fighting against. Andrew Manson is young and earnest when he begins his career in a Welsh mining town. He is eager to serve the miners and their families, eager to expand his knowledge, and eager to bring honor to his profession through research and discovery. Eventually, after years of struggle and disappointment, he establishes a lucrative practice in London and is slowly seduced by wealth and high society. He becomes all that he has criticized in the past and seems headed for self-destruction. Will he come to his senses and regain his purpose and idealism? Will he ever become the doctor he always hoped to be?
It's this idea that's at the center of the book, the 'citadel' of the title, and what the main character is fighting against. Andrew Manson is young and earnest when he begins his career in a Welsh mining town. He is eager to serve the miners and their families, eager to expand his knowledge, and eager to bring honor to his profession through research and discovery. Eventually, after years of struggle and disappointment, he establishes a lucrative practice in London and is slowly seduced by wealth and high society. He becomes all that he has criticized in the past and seems headed for self-destruction. Will he come to his senses and regain his purpose and idealism? Will he ever become the doctor he always hoped to be?
rossrevenge's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
goferal's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
halfcentreader's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/4
A little dated as far as narrative. But also, surprising that when this was set in the 20's and early 30's medical practice was governed by fads that have nearly 100 years later found resurgence. (I mean, whoever heard of "cupping" before the 2016 summer Olympic games? Athlete's on the swim team and celebrities were swearing by it-- in this novel it was mentioned along with dieting fads that included yogurt and fiber. Fascinating!)
This is not just a novel about medicine or about one man's growth from idealistic earnest graduate work in a rural backwater to a much sought after md in London society, nor is it entirely a novel that sets about to revamp the health care industry in post wwi England. Instead it is both of these as well as a novel about marital relationships and the fluidity of the value we hold towards our spouses at different times in our lives.
Engaging overall.
A little dated as far as narrative. But also, surprising that when this was set in the 20's and early 30's medical practice was governed by fads that have nearly 100 years later found resurgence. (I mean, whoever heard of "cupping" before the 2016 summer Olympic games? Athlete's on the swim team and celebrities were swearing by it-- in this novel it was mentioned along with dieting fads that included yogurt and fiber. Fascinating!)
This is not just a novel about medicine or about one man's growth from idealistic earnest graduate work in a rural backwater to a much sought after md in London society, nor is it entirely a novel that sets about to revamp the health care industry in post wwi England. Instead it is both of these as well as a novel about marital relationships and the fluidity of the value we hold towards our spouses at different times in our lives.
Engaging overall.
caci_otta's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.75