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A review by halfcentreader
The Citadel by A.J. Cronin
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.