The Citadel by A.J Cronin

[Sehrish |]

Thank you for creating this thread Savita.. I will send my progress and mark spoiler

[Savita]

Hi , friends! Sehrish and I are reading The Citadel by A.J Cronin . Anyone interested in joining this Buddy Read is most welcome.

[Sehrish |]

Yayyy! Thanks for creating this thread

[Sehrish |]

Chapter 1 & 2 were really good.. It set the mood perfectly! Dark and scary.. Right at the beginning the story became very interesting and intriguing

[Savita]

Welcome, Sehrish! 😊

[Savita]

Chapter 1 and 2 : ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ What a shock- Dr Page has had a stroke. Now the whole responsibility rests on Andrew's young shoulders . 😒
I don't like Philip. Feel very uncomfortable with him around. (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

I'm reading chapter 7 , Sehrish . Where have you reached ?
☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Chapters 3 and 4 : Though I don't like Philip, at least he helped Andrew. That was nice of him . I think Philip is just frustrated with the circumstances under which he has to work .
What a dangerous mission he made Andrew embark in ! But it woke up Dr Griffiths and solved the problem !
Chapters 5 and 6 : Christine is nice ! I loved the handsome way in which Andrew apologized to her . Very decent of him ! (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Where have you reached , Sehrish ? I am reading chapter 13 . In chapters 8 and 10 really interesting cases are described . Have you read them ?

[Savita]

BTW I have to put ☆☆Beware Spoilers before a spoiler alert because for some reason the spoiler alert , though it works in this thread , does not work in the Digest emails that appear daily . Some technical problem.

[Sehrish |]

Hey Savita.. Sorry I am lagging behind this time.. I will cover it as soon as possible..

I am at chapters 3 & 4 now.. I really like how dedicated and focused Andrew is.. At first I didn't like Dr. Denny but he was being considerate for Andrew and helped him, I liked that too.. Don't you think the situation is a bit similar to how it was for us during Covid? An unknown virus threatening people's lives

[Savita]

Take your time , Sehrish . Don't worry , you are a fast reader , you will soon be able to catch up . 😊
Actually , Dr Denny is a qualified surgeon and Drineffy, with its primitive medicine , is no place for him . He's just frustrated here . He should be practicing in some big city with a well equipped hospital . I hope he will get a position in London soon otherwise his skills will just get rusted in Drineffy.

How right you are ! The way we are grappling with corona virus today is reminiscent of the way doctors used to grapple with the then dangerous diseases like typhoid , tuberculosis , syphilis .... before modern diagnostic techniques and wonderful treatment options became available. Yes , you are quite right there .

Quite a dangerous mission described in chapter 4 but ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ - at least it woke up Dr Griffiths ! Phillip has some guts ! (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Yeah.. True about Dr. Denny.. It feels like he is frustrated with the system.. He wants to help but something is always restricting him..

I always wonder what if modern medicine didn't happen

[Sehrish |]

Yeah.. True about Dr. Denny.. It feels like he is frustrated with the system.. He wants to help but something is always restricting him..

I always wonder what if modern medicine didn't happen

[Savita]

" .... if modern medicine didn't happen. " ! Oh my God , how dreadful that would be ! There was a time when surgical procedures were done without anesthesia ! Can you imagine ? Then there was tuberculosis that killed the Bronte sisters. Such gifted authors just wiped out. Today we have such powerful medicines and diagnostic techniques available to protect us and improve the quality of our lives .

[Savita]

I've reached chapter 6 of part 2 . The chapters are quite small .
☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Chapter 3 : I found the incident in London 's furniture house both painful and funny ! Anyway , all's well that ends well ! 😄
Chapters 4 and 5 : Sad to read the not unexpected hurdles young Andrew faced in Aberalaw . .... expected to give fake disability certificates ; countering the belligerent Nurse Lloyd over T.Evan's scalded arm ; ..... Can 't they let a dedicated young doctor work peacefully ? They will just drive him away 😒 (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish , am I too far ahead ? Would you like me to wait for you to catch up ?

[Sehrish |]

Hey.. How's it going? I was both surprised and shocked by Dr. Denny's moves.. It might not have been a good idea but he had people's welfare in mind.. I immediately chucked when I read the way he told Andrew what he wanted to do and how shocked Andrew was.. Lol..

Also, I didn't like Miss Page's nature.. One remark she made about Dr. Denny suggesting walk to a lady rather than prescribing medicines and how Dr. Page was giving her medicines made me think of how money minded Miss Page is.. And again, comparing this to our real lives,it's so similar.. So many medical professionals do many things just for money

[Sehrish |]

No Savita.. I will catch up with you.. Don't stop, I see you are liking the book and I wouldn't want you to stop

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Hey.. How's it going? I was both surprised and shocked by Dr. Denny's moves.. It might not have been a good idea but he had people's welfare in mind.. I immediately chucked when I read the way he t..."

Yes , money minded doctors spoil the name of the noble medical profession. A doctor must have compassion and must keep away from greed . There has to be grace and ethics while practicing medicine.

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "No Savita.. I will catch up with you.. Don't stop, I see you are liking the book and I wouldn't want you to stop"

Okay , Sehrish . But it will be nice when you are able to catch up. It is fun commenting on the same sections. 😊

[Sehrish |]

I finished 8.. So beautiful the last couple chapters have been.. The lovely Christine and the case of Annie's sister and her husband.. My heart was jumping with excitement when Andrew actually was able to detect the actual problem for Emlyn.. It would've been a disaster if they mis judged

[Savita]

The more I read about Christine , the more and more I get to like her ! She is such a gem .
Yes , Emlyn's case was a great diagnosis. I enjoyed reading that one and also the case in chapter 10 . You're going to like chapter 10 too .

[Savita]

I was horrified to read chapter 11 ( part 2 ) ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ What a terrible mine accident . And then forearm amputation had to be done without anesthesia ! ! Life can be brutal at times. I think of the fearful lives of miners and the poor conditions under which they live . An author 's pen brings it out more forcefully than bare newspaper reports . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

You'll love chapter 12 / part 2 Sehrish - a lovely way to celebrate Christmas. I just loved the chapter- specially the end 🎅🎄🎁🎄🎅

[Sehrish |]

I agree. I absolutely adore Christine.. I am so happy that Andrew is such a nice guy and found Christine for himself.. they make a good pair.. I hope things go good for them both... I am almost close to completing Part 1..

The last chapter I read had the painful yet happy event of the birth of Morgan's child.. I was dreading how it would end.. but it was such a peaceful, happy ending to the chapter.. the little boy lives.. we have to give it to the Dr. for acting so fast...

I hate Miss. Page now.. she is such a wicked person.. like she doesn't even care of anyone..

[Savita]

Oh , how nice - you're almost finishing Part 1 ! You'll catch up soon !
Yes , chapter 10 was a lovely read . ☆☆Beware Spoilers ( for other members who may be reading along ) (view spoiler)[ Mrs Morgan was a middle aged woman . Chances of her having another baby were remote . Therefore this baby was very , very precious . What happened was nothing short of a miracle ! Hats off to Andrew ! (hide spoiler)]
Oh , Miss Page is very mercenary. And isn't she foolish ? They got an assistant with such difficulty . Shouldn't she be more careful while dealing with Andrew ?

[Sehrish |]

Yeah.. I agree.. Will mark spoiler going forward too.. (view spoiler)[I didn't like the way she behaved with Andrew about the money.. And that stupid bank manager Rees.. She behaved in a way that suggests that she owns the Dr. rather than someone who is kindly trying to help with her brother's cases.. Good thing Andrew just gave that money for charity.. But I loved Mr. Morgan's gesture really.. Also poor Phillip.. I feel so sad for him.. And once again, Dr. Andrew to the rescue.. He is so into this profession that he doesn't even care about himself.. He is doing double work.. (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

(view spoiler)[I just feel a little bad though.. live in the hospital said they wanted a married man he immediately said that he is engaged but was it actually true? he hadn't even spoken to Christine then I just feel a little bit bad but that I hope Christine understands what Andrew was trying to do there but I am giving really really loved what happened in the last chapter (hide spoiler)]

I am done with part 1 now and I will resume part 2 soon...

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Yeah.. I agree.. Will mark spoiler going forward too.. [spoilers removed]"

Poor Philip ! ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ He really needed a friend . His interconnected personal and professional problems were downing him badly . And , as they say , " A friend in need is a friend indeed ! " . Andrew helped him in a big way - doing double work could not have been easy for Andrew . Nice to read about this generous and concerned gesture .
I hope Philip is able to get out of Drineffy . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[spoilers removed]

I am done with part 1 now and I will resume part 2 soon..."

Yay ! Yay ! You've finished Part 1 ! ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ That's true - he was not engaged to Christine at the time of the interview. 🤔 . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Msg 30 continued : ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ But what could he do , Sehrish ? He would have lost the job had he not mentioned that he intended to get married soon . Of course, if Christine had refused him , that would have been a very sorry situation . It was a tricky and an uncomfortable matter. Thanks to Christine , everything went off well . (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Savita wrote: "Msg 30 continued : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]"

Agreed, he was in a tight spot.. I just hope things don't become bitter for the couple..

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Savita wrote: "Msg 30 continued : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]"

Agreed, he was in a tight spot.. I just hope things don't become bitter for the couple.."

Yes , yes ! Christine is a sensible , sensitive, sweet and mature person . The more you will read about her , the more you will get to like her . Andrew had better handle the relationship with care and maturity. Christine is a gem !

[Savita]

Chapter 13 and 14 / Part 2 : Oh no ! Oh no ! Oh no ! This is too desperately sad ! 😥

[Savita]

Chapter 14 and 15 / Part2 : Andrew was doing good work ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ trying to prove the causal relationship between mine dust and severe damage to the miners' lungs . This would enable the affected miners to claim compensation for the occupational hazard . Working on the guinea pigs was a cruel thing , but it was not something initiated by Andrew for the first time . Of course it is true that he should have got a license before starting the experiments . I agree with that point . What do you think , Sehrish ? (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Finished Charters 1 & 2 from part 2.. I like how it all started.. I am happy for Dr. Andrew and his next adventures

[Savita]

Oh , how nice - you've started Part 2 ! Yes , pleasant beginning in Aberalaw . But what an enormous house Vale View is ! Just the two of them in it !

[Sehrish |]

I finished chapter 3 (view spoiler)[Oh my God! what a fun chapter... god I was laughing so much... the way Andrew dealt with the whole furniture shop owner.. OMG... (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Oh my god!! this is so bad.. suddenly the chapters became to sad and depressing.. (view spoiler)[When the new chapters started in Andrew and Christine's life, they were so happy and excited.. now the way the patients are makes Andrew so sad.. I hate seeing them like this... I liked this line so much Though they were so poor, though they had to bear many things, Christine and Andrew knew happiness (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Yes , chapter 3 was a fun chapter , though at one point I thought ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ the store was going to refuse to take their order . It almost came to that . But Andrew dealt with the situation well and .... well , all's well that ends well 😁 ! (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Oh my god!! this is so bad.. suddenly the chapters became to sad and depressing.. [spoilers removed]"

Lovely line .... so heart warming and true ! ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Difficulties are inevitable in a young , unsupported doctor 's life . Having Christine 's support makes the world of a difference. And facing difficulties / opposition sensibly and bravely is a good way of bringing out , and getting acquainted , with one's latent strength. Real life can be pretty tough , even cruel , at times . It helps to remember , " When the going gets tough , the tough get going ! " 😊 (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

I absolutely 100% agree!

[Sehrish |]

I finished Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Finally, some relief and some friendly people made their way in Andrew and Chirstine's life.. I liked Dr. Owen, how nicely he treated the Dr. and his wife. I am sure being in good books of a community secretary will be helpful for Andrew.. I didn't like Andrew being so doubtful of people's natures, he started disliking the Vaughan's even before he know them.. it was unfair really and he also had an argument with poor Christine for no reason at all.. but I guess its the direct effect of how he has been treated for so long, he can't easily trust anyone.. But I am glad he at least realized that..

I loved to see Dr. Phillip again... and so sad to learn about Dr. Page.. (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

I finished Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[what an amazing chapter... Andrew struggled hard but finally made it.. ❤️

The thing that stood out the most for me was Christine.. She was so supportive, so kind and caring.. As much as this victory belongs to Andrew.. It belongs to Christine as well! Can't wait to read more (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Your comment about me liking Ch. 10 was so right! I think I love Christine more than anything! ❤️

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "I finished Chapter 8 Finally, some relief and some friendly people made their way in Andrew and Chirstine's life.. I liked Dr. Owen, how nicely he treated the Dr. and his wife. I am sure being in g..."

☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ It was nice of Mr Owen to give Andrew his support . Otherwise things were really going badly for poor Andrew . This way he was likely to garner more support from the community . Herd behavior 🤔 ! !
Andrew had had a difficult childhood ( but then , this was also true for Christine ) . Then he had a series of troubles in his professional life as you have mentioned . I suppose that's what made him suspicious and awkward . Christine had a soothing and steadying effect on his troubled life . She was a gem .
The decision to do MRCP was a very good one . I think that also was suggested by Christine , bless her ! His prospects of practicing advanced and good medicine really opened up with such a shining and fabulous degree ! Now it was upto him to do justice to the degree .
Philip was another one who was wasting away his life because of a horrible broken marriage. He needed to pull himself together and get his professional and personal life back on track . I know , I know, easier said than done! But Philip was a qualified surgeon. He had a postgraduate degree in surgery. He was wasting himself in Drineffy. It is sad to see him sink like that . And he was good at heart . I wish Andrew would help him . Or else he would find a ' Christine ' to show him the way . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "I finished Chapter 10
what an amazing chapter... Andrew struggled hard but finally made it.. ❤️

The thing that stood out the most for me was Christine.. She was so supportive, so kind and caring...."

Thoroughly agree about your remark on Christine. It was her victory as well - certainly!

[Sehrish |]

I agree about Dr. Phillip.. He is a talented person

[Savita]

Part 3 has only 2 chapters . I've finished Part 3 . ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Oh what a boring place this MFB place is ! YAWN 🥱 . I am so glad Andrew decided to leave . Only thing , he should have fixed up a good future job before giving his resignation . Anyway , keeping my fingers crossed for this young couple . (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

finished chapter 11 (view spoiler)[Andrew's life is so challenging every time.. he gets his first assistant job and the place and his boss is terrible.. he comes to a bigger city, gets a bigger job but here the people are so bad.. and now he got such a nice degree, after so many struggles and now this scene at the mine.. but I commend his quick thinking, he saved a life.. (hide spoiler)]