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The Citadel

The Citadel

Historical FictionLiterary Fiction
Pages
300
Published
1938
Language
English

Synopsis

Andrew Manson, a young and idealistic doctor, begins his career in a Welsh mining town, confronting poverty and the rigid medical establishment. As he rises through the ranks in London, he grapples with the moral compromises and corruption prevalent in the healthcare system. This story follows his journey to uphold his principles while navigating personal and professional challenges.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

Thought-ProvokingEmotionalComplex
Coming of Age

Genres

Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

About the author

A
A. J. Cronin

Archibald Joseph Cronin (19 July 1896 – 6 January 1981), known as A. J. Cronin, was a Scottish physician and novelist. His best-known novel is The Citadel (1937), about a Scottish doctor who serves in a Welsh mining village before achieving success in London, where he becomes disillusioned about the venality and incompetence of some doctors. Cronin knew both areas, as a medical inspector of mines and as a doctor in Harley Street. The book exposed unfairness and malpractice in British medicine...

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Citadel based on a true story?

    A. J. Cronin drew heavily on his own experiences as a doctor in the Welsh mining valleys and later in London for The Citadel. The novel reflects the medical practices and ethical dilemmas he observed and faced during his career.

  • Are there any adaptations of The Citadel?

    The Citadel has been adapted into a film, a radio series, and a television series. The 1938 film adaptation received Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

  • How does The Citadel relate to A. J. Cronin's other works?

    The Citadel is considered one of A. J. Cronin's most significant works, often seen as a precursor to his later novel, The Keys of the Kingdom, in its exploration of an individual's moral struggle within an established institution. It shares themes of social critique and professional ethics found throughout his bibliography.