Summary of The Citadel
Andrew Manson, a young and idealistic doctor, arrives in the mining town of Drineffy in Wales during the 1920s and is appalled by the unhealthy living and working conditions. Together with his newlywed wife, a local schoolteacher, he strives to improve the lives of the miners and speaks out about the effects of coal-dust inhalation on lung disease. In doing so, he makes enemies among his colleagues in the medical profession. Will Dr Manson remain committed to serving the poor miners of Wales or turn his talents towards more lucrative private practice in London?
Reasons to read The Citadel
Archibald Joseph Cronin was a celebrated Scottish novelist and physician. His novel “The Citadel” explores themes of idealism, medical ethics, and the moral challenges coming with success. It was a bestseller on publication, both in the UK and internationally, winning the 1937 National Book Award for Fiction. The book is widely regarded as having influenced the reform of the British medical system and the creation of the National Health Service (NHS). Cronin drew on his own experiences as a doctor in the coal-mining communities of the South Wales Valleys. “The Citadel” was adapted into a British film in 1938. Other notable works by A. J. Cronin include “The Stars Look Down”, “The Keys of the Kingdom”, and “Country Doctor”.
Setting: Tredegar (Wales, UK) and London (England, UK)
“The Citadel” is mostly set in the fictional Welsh town of Drineffy, inspired by Tredegar where A.J. Cronin himself practiced medicine); and also in London.
Original title: The Citadel
Year of publication: 1937
Nr of pages: 368
