Citadela
The novel The Citadel by Scottish author Archibald Joseph Cronin, published in 1937, is one of the most influential works of the 20th century, having a powerful impact on perceptions of medical ethics and social justice.
Inspired by his own experiences as a doctor in the mining communities of South Wales, Cronin portrays the struggle between idealism and corruption within the medical profession through the character of a young Scottish doctor, Andrew Manson.
Andrew Manson begins his career in the impoverished mining town of Blaenely, facing difficult working conditions, the illnesses caused by the mining life, and the resistance of local doctors to modern treatment methods. Despite his initial enthusiasm, Manson gradually faces compromises and moral dilemmas as he progresses in his career, culminating in a personal tragedy that forces him to reexamine his own values and return to his original ideals.
The Citadel is a powerful critique of the British healthcare system of the time, highlighting injustices and outdated practices that often harmed patients. The novel contributed to the public debate that led to the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.
The work won the National Book Award in the US in 1937 and remains relevant today, fueling debates about ethics, integrity and social responsibility in medicine.
One copy is available
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