Tab Article

Genre: Classic Fiction, Medical Drama, Social Novel
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Book Review:
The Citadel by A. J. Cronin is a timeless and powerful classic that combines gripping medical drama with profound social commentary. First published in 1937, the novel follows Dr. Andrew Manson, an idealistic young physician who begins his career in a poor Welsh mining community in the 1920s. Appalled by the outdated practices and inadequate care available, he becomes a passionate advocate for change, making both loyal friends and formidable enemies.

The story traces Manson’s journey from these humble, principled beginnings to the corrupting world of high-society London medicine, where financial gain and reputation often overshadow patient care. At its heart, The Citadel is also a deeply human story about Manson’s marriage to a local schoolteacher, their struggles, estrangement, and ultimate reconciliation as he rediscovers the ethical ideals he once held dear.

Cronin, himself a doctor, writes with authenticity and moral urgency. His characters are vividly drawn, and the contrast between communal health and commercialized medicine remains strikingly relevant. The novel was groundbreaking in its time and is credited with influencing the establishment of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

This BBC tie-in edition celebrates the acclaimed television adaptation, but the book itself is a masterpiece of 20th-century literature. It’s a compelling, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant read for anyone interested in medicine, ethics, social justice, or simply a brilliantly told human story. A true classic that deserves its lasting reputation.