'The Final Diagnosis' by Arthur Hailey is a novel that delves into the inner workings of a hospital, focusing on the head of pathology and various other characters. The book provides insights into the hospital microcosm, showcasing the rhythms of healing, surgery, and pathology. Readers are taken on a journey through departmental competitions, pettiness, and rivalries, intertwined with short studies of staff, patients, and their traumas. Despite being set in the 1960s, the book offers a reflection of the hospital environment, highlighting the implications of poor maintenance, human management, and technical errors.

Arthur Hailey's writing style in 'The Final Diagnosis' is praised for its attention to detail, realistic portrayal of characters, and carefully woven plotlines. The book balances seemingly mundane detailing with beautiful storytelling techniques, capturing the essence of the hospital setting and the complexities of the medical field. Hailey's ability to create well-developed characters, intriguing storylines, and unexpected turns of events keeps readers engaged throughout the book, making it a compelling read that resonates with the human side and the pursuit of justice.

Characters:

The characters are realistic and multidimensional, representing the complexities of human behavior within a hospital context.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by meticulous research and vivid storytelling that manages to balance realism with engaging narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intricately weaves together various hospital life aspects, creating engaging yet predictable plot developments.

Setting:

The setting is firmly established in a hospital, specifically highlighting the workings of the pathology department and its associated interactions.

Pacing:

While the pacing can slow for character background, it generally moves swiftly, keeping reader engagement high.

At midmorning of a broiling summer day the life of Three Counties Hospital ebbed and flowed like tide currents around an offshore island. Outside the hospital the citizens of Burlington, Pennsylvania,...

Notes:

Arthur Hailey's first novel, The Final Diagnosis, was released in 1959.

In 1959, Dwight Eisenhower was president and the first Barbie doll was released.

Hailey was an established screenwriter before he wrote this novel.

The Final Diagnosis was inspired by Hailey's extensive research into the workings of hospitals.

The plot served as a template for many popular doctor shows on TV afterward.

The novel focuses on the complexities of life and death in a medium-sized hospital.

Hailey is known for his storytelling ability, which brings his characters to life.

Some readers find the book's characters and situations relatable, despite its dated elements.

Hailey often explores the theme of bad things happening to good people in his works.

The Final Diagnosis weaves together various plot pieces smoothly and is well-crafted.

The characters are observed with insight, showcasing their human experiences.

The novel provides a behind-the-scenes look at the pathology department of a hospital.

Many readers appreciate Hailey's detailed writing and balance between mundane details and storytelling.

The book remains interesting for both healthcare professionals and general audiences even years after its release.

It offers insights into the hospital environment, including departmental rivalries and patient interactions.

Hailey's novels are described as timeless and memorable, resonating with readers long after they are finished.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of death, medical procedures, and ethical dilemmas inherent in hospital settings.

Has Romance?

The book contains some romantic elements, though they are not the central focus of the narrative.

From The Publisher:

The Final Diagnosis - bk501; Pan Books; Arthur Hailey; pocket_book; 1979

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The Final Diagnosis

Arthur Hailey