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Top reviews from the United States

Pablo Hinkulow5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Probably the best medical novel ever written Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021 Written by a Scottish physician in 1937, the novel deals with the economic/social impact of ambition, greed, and institutionalised malpractice in the for-profit health care industry. Invaluable for any student or practising professional interested in medical ethics. Not... See more Written by a Scottish physician in 1937, the novel deals with the economic/social impact of ambition, greed, and institutionalised malpractice in the for-profit health care industry. Invaluable for any student or practising professional interested in medical ethics. Not boring at all, I read it when I was eleven, it probably influenced by career, and to this day remains one of the top works in my literary canon. Quickly delivered, copy in excellent conditions. 5 people found this helpful Helpful Report Jan Schneider5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase The gripping tale of a young and idealistic physician. Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2015 A gripping tale of the careeer and aspirations of a young physician in the England of the late1920s. The venality, incompetence, gross inequality and closed-mindedness of the medical profession of that time caused a sensation when the book was published in 1937. By all... See more A gripping tale of the careeer and aspirations of a young physician in the England of the late1920s. The venality, incompetence, gross inequality and closed-mindedness of the medical profession of that time caused a sensation when the book was published in 1937. By all accounts it was at least partially responsible for the acceptance of a single-payer National Health Service in then post-war era of the 1940s. Those interested in current medical practice in the US might benefit by reading the novel and comparing the England of then to the America of now. Medicine has come a long way, some of the diagnoses and therapies described in the novel sound amazingly ancient. Yet the harsh reality of the cruel and unjust system into which the young and idealistic protagonist is thrust are terrifyingly similar to our environment today. I write as an English-trained physician who has spent a career in American academic medicine. But the book is no sermon: it is an excellent read. 16 people found this helpful Helpful Report reviewer wanta be4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Noble intent sidetracked... Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2015 This is a story that should probably be recommended reading in college, especially for pre-med students. The book tells the story of a young doctor that starts his career with such idealism and noble intent. As life moves forward, he finds himself pursuing money and... See more This is a story that should probably be recommended reading in college, especially for pre-med students. The book tells the story of a young doctor that starts his career with such idealism and noble intent. As life moves forward, he finds himself pursuing money and success instead. His scruples are comprised. Interestingly, the first step on that road of comprises is made in pride. Dr. Manson haughtily departs a town in an offense to his character and intent. Ultimately, he finds himself doing the very things that caused him such anger in his early practice days.

Dr. Manson is not a character that is likeable, even in his noble days. However, as his goals, insecurities, etc. so closely mirror that of humanity, he is a worthy character to know. How many of us have been shifted from our original intent? What relationships have we bruised in the process? What are the consequences that we will regret in the days to come? It is nice to have answers to these questions for a fictional character. One can follow his trajectory and take stock of one''s own choices and drive.

This book was first published in 1937, and I can say that the vocabulary used in those days was more robust than today. I have many new starred words in my bedside dictionary. Don''t let that be a deterrent, new words can be such fun.

For those that enjoy old movies, I am told this was made as a movie with Robert Donat as its lead. I have not seen it, but I will be watching for it on TCM. I hope that the movie shows his moral decay, followed by his redemption. The movie would be a bit dark and disheartening without the return of his nobility at its end. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report patricia nisler5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A book you wish would never end! Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2017 I read this book as research as I was to travel to Wales and it was on the recommended book list about that country since the earlier part of the book, essential to the tale, takes place in the mining towns of Wales. For me this was a page turner. The story was gripping... See more I read this book as research as I was to travel to Wales and it was on the recommended book list about that country since the earlier part of the book, essential to the tale, takes place in the mining towns of Wales. For me this was a page turner. The story was gripping and the writing amazing. When I finally went to Wales, we visited a Slate Museum, historical record of the slate mining industry of northern Wales. The Citadel''s descriptive passages rang true and were echoed in what I saw in the museum. If you have not read this book, I do highly recommend that you do so now. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report Roberdeax Wheat5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A must read for anyone wishing to be a physician. Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2012 I found out about the book while working as a physician in Paraguay. My girlfriend at the time gave me a copy as a gift. Several other physicians in the Hospital that I worked in recommended the book. Although it is set long ago, the story reads true today. It portrays a... See more I found out about the book while working as a physician in Paraguay. My girlfriend at the time gave me a copy as a gift. Several other physicians in the Hospital that I worked in recommended the book. Although it is set long ago, the story reads true today. It portrays a physician beginning his road after medical school. Konrad is very good in his emotional details and this book is no exception.

The book is one of redemption, but at a high sacrifice. It is also a good book to understand the difference between the British Medical System and our own. If one is a student of Bioethics, it can serve to help with understanding of how the British Medical System advanced in their views in regards to Physician Duties including those to the patient.

In my opinion, The Citadel should be required reading in Medical Schools and Bioethics courses. Using Konrad''s writing school some difficult ideas our much easier to understand. It truth it is the story of every Physician who practices medicine to help his patients, and is not deterred by inconvenience. Finally, anyone who is marrying a physician can learn how it used to be. Unfortunately, most physicians are technicians who treat the patient in only a semi-personal matter, so most of the marital conflict may not occur today.

During my 26 years of medical practice I turned to the book every few years to once again step in another time where a physician experiences the same problems as I did every day. I can longer read the book as it is too much for me to read the best book concerning my profession when I cannot, secondary to health reasons, practice medicine.

One of the top 3 books I have ever read. 5 people found this helpful Helpful Report Lisa Shea5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Story from the 30s is still a Great Read Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2002 I picked up this book because it was mentioned in my great-grandmother''s diary from 1941. Written in the 30s, it tells the tale of a young Scottish doctor in the 20s, as he goes from a small-town doctor in a rough situation to a well-paid London doctor with a fancy... See more I picked up this book because it was mentioned in my great-grandmother''s diary from 1941. Written in the 30s, it tells the tale of a young Scottish doctor in the 20s, as he goes from a small-town doctor in a rough situation to a well-paid London doctor with a fancy office.
The story''s written with intelligence, as the doctor ponders various ways to deal with the bureaucracy he faces. He deals with incompetent doctors, old doctors that have no desire to learn new treatments, young doctors more concerned with money and prestige than patient care.
And, as he gets absorbed into the system, the doctor begins to be lured in by the money. He starts to prescribe the ''easy'' solution to patients, even if it''s not the right answer, so that they''re happy and he gets more cash. He does finally realize, in the end, that working for the patients is more important than gaining lots of cash, but only after some hard lessons.
I have a few small complaints with the story. One is that the wife could have been a really interesting character, but she''s a little flat. She is sad when he becomes money-hungry, and draws back, but that''s it. She was a schoolteacher when he met her, and it''s made clear that she''s very intelligent. But still she just sort of goes along with him, making his meals, wishing things could be better, but far be it for her to actually help out. She tries to get his friends to see him one night to bring back his old ways, but when that fails, "ah well".
My other complaint is that he slides far too easy from a passionate patient-first attitude into a "cash is nice" mentality. But that was necessary for the plot to progress.
Definitely a great book to read to learn about life in the 20s to 40s, from the small towns of Wales to the busy streets of London. Interesting details about the damage that mines caused to the lungs of the mineworkers, and the ways that doctors worked with each other and treated their patients. A great read! 64 people found this helpful Helpful Report Margaret May5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase The Citadel is a story of unselfish devotion by a doctor for the cure of lung diseases. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2017 An account of an honest and ethical man who rose from a doctor''''s assistant to an M.D. in his pursuit of a cure for lung diseases of miners in the country and valley where they worked. His untiring passion for the health of these people and more is a true... See more An account of an honest and ethical man who rose from a doctor''''s assistant to an M.D. in his pursuit of a cure for lung diseases
of miners in the country and valley where they worked. His untiring passion for the health of these people and more is a true
Inspiration and hope for those afflicted in that era and even now by his unselfish efforts so many strides have taken for these patients
so afflicted. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Natasha Pettier5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Strong Characters Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2022 An immensely enjoyable read at the heart of which resides a refreshingly flawed hero who goes the way of so many. The starting point of the journey usually being idealism. The human story being told in a realistic manner with breathtaking use of the English language. Highly... See more An immensely enjoyable read at the heart of which resides a refreshingly flawed hero who goes the way of so many. The starting point of the journey usually being idealism. The human story being told in a realistic manner with breathtaking use of the English language. Highly recommended and Cronin’s style will never go out of style. Helpful Report

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Top reviews from other countries

yossi ben shnaor4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase nevertheless this is an excellent read, which leaves you looking for more by ... Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2017 A Window on the Medical world of the 1920s. In this story A.J Cronin relates the deeds of Andrew Manson. A young and headstrong doctor, setting out to cure the world. Working in the mining villages of South Wales he experiences both the warmth and prejudices of the mining...See moreA Window on the Medical world of the 1920s. In this story A.J Cronin relates the deeds of Andrew Manson. A young and headstrong doctor, setting out to cure the world. Working in the mining villages of South Wales he experiences both the warmth and prejudices of the mining communities. Moving to London he experiences the innate conservatism of the medical establishment and the greed of a particular kind of medical practitioner. Manson and his wife Christine also experience the highs and lows of their personal relationship. While I would not place Cronin on the same level as Hemmingway or Greene, nevertheless this is an excellent read, which leaves you looking for more by the same author. 16 people found this helpful Report Mrs T5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase The Citadel Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2020 The NHS is under scrutiny as never before during the current Coronavirus pandemic, so it is good to be reminded of the days before its inception when only those with money could afford medical treatment and even then not be guaranteed adequate treatment. AJ Cronin obviously...See moreThe NHS is under scrutiny as never before during the current Coronavirus pandemic, so it is good to be reminded of the days before its inception when only those with money could afford medical treatment and even then not be guaranteed adequate treatment. AJ Cronin obviously drew on his own experience of an outdated system and his own desire for change, and he must have been exhilarated when what he had envisaged actually came to pass. How fortunate for him that he did not live to see its decimation and near-destruction by successive governments. Hopefully it will now be given the funding, proper management and status it deserves and which it should never have lost. 5 people found this helpful Report Jan Ruth4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Idealism versus Realism Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2020 Andrew Manson takes up his first post as a newly qualified doctor – in a Welsh mining town. The tight-knit communities of the Welsh valleys present Manson with plenty of daily challenges, not only with regard to the poor sanitation and the spread of disease, but in...See moreAndrew Manson takes up his first post as a newly qualified doctor – in a Welsh mining town. The tight-knit communities of the Welsh valleys present Manson with plenty of daily challenges, not only with regard to the poor sanitation and the spread of disease, but in opposition to those who suspect his honesty and outspokenness. His refusal to take the line of least resistance lands him in trouble with some of the established members of society, but he does make a good friend in Philip Denny, and meets his future wife in Christine Barlow, the local, equally idealistic school teacher. Manson is offered a better position in a larger town, but once again when his integrity does not allow for unscrupulous dispensing and money-making schemes, Andrew and Christine are forced yet again to move on. Andrew''s research into lung diseases takes the Manson’s to London, but Andrew misses front-line diagnosis and he soon takes the plunge in buying a run-down surgery. Frustrated at not earning enough money to live on, Manson’s principles begin to fray at the edges, and when lucrative ways of making easy money from wealthy patients and private clinics begin to take-over from his everyday surgeries and pioneering work, his standards begin to slip. Christine is unhappy with the change in her husband, dislikes the city, and cares nothing for fur coats and fancy furniture. When matters come to a crisis point and Manson is in danger of losing everything, he’s forced to examine everything he holds dear. Astonishing to discover that this novel written in 1937 and set in 1924 inspired the creation of the NHS. There are many enlightening passages and ideas which clearly illustrate the need of trustworthy medical care for all, regardless of social standing and the ability to pay. Manson is deliberately challenging, and I enjoyed the journey of his development through the stages of his career. As a work of fiction it didn’t have the huge impact of The Stars Look Down, but this is a straightforward novel written in a biographical style and because the author was a medical professional, full of interesting facts and plenty to say. 3 people found this helpful Report Betty Boop5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A Fantastic Book Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2018 I had never read The Citadel before, although I had heard adaptations of it on the radio. What a fantastic book ! I loved it and could not bear to put it down. The descriptions of the Welsh valleys and the people are wonderful, as is the daily life of a young doctor...See moreI had never read The Citadel before, although I had heard adaptations of it on the radio. What a fantastic book ! I loved it and could not bear to put it down. The descriptions of the Welsh valleys and the people are wonderful, as is the daily life of a young doctor constantly having to struggle against the poverty and traditions of his patients and at the same time not lose sight of his ideals. There is some humour throughout the book too, which was nice. As you can tell, I really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. 6 people found this helpful Report J. Radford5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Still a tremendous read Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2017 I first read this book over 40 years ago and was tempted to reread it by a serialisation on Radio4. It is worth reading again if only to make people aware of the value of our NHS system and of the dangerous state of medicine Pre 1948. It is a compelling study of a young...See moreI first read this book over 40 years ago and was tempted to reread it by a serialisation on Radio4. It is worth reading again if only to make people aware of the value of our NHS system and of the dangerous state of medicine Pre 1948. It is a compelling study of a young doctor’s progress from young idealist to money chasing consultant before he is shaken into seeing the error of his ways. 10 people found this helpful Report

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