Aug 26, 2009 08:09 PM
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I have always love reading novels by author Arthur Hailey…as he gives readers insight into great institutions of the modern world and the story not just runs within limited characters of the plot but gives entire background of that particular industry. I have loved his earlier novels like “Airport”, “Hotel”, and “The Moneychangers”.
Its not very technical like Robin Cook’s medical thrillers (may be I being from pharma background, find it easier), written in very fluid language, easy to grasp when one is in sync.
Author focuses on Pathologists,who are behind the scene professionals, a world patient never sees. They are basically involved in lab tests, biopsies and autopsies but plays very critical role.
They are the one who detect the cause of the diseases & gives the final diagnosis, so very aptly the name of the novel. He shows us the tension packed drama and mammoth complexity of a hospital…a world where one faulty diagnosis, one irrevocable error precipitates appalling tragedy.
The essence of the story is about inevitable change in the hospital which old n reluctant people don’t want even when it is extremely necessary and for the benefit of the sick and the weak.
The novel is highly addictive, one gets lost in the wards and corridors of the hospital. The portrayal of the characters is amazing, and the descriptions brilliant and it encompasses many character of nurses, doctors, technicians, hospital board members, administrator.
I loved the climax of the novel, especially, the dialogue between young, intellectual pathologist and old, experienced retiring colleague one in the end. One can simply envision the dialogue; it really touches and had set me to think for sometime.
It tells us how any person who starts as young and supporter of change eventually grows into a person who is cold and disapproving of change, the reasons why such things happen and advice to avoid such things. This is applicable to every professional!!!!!!!
