Reviews

The Final Diagnosis by Arthur Hailey

halsefni's review

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emotional reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

garbuziarb's review

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emotional hopeful informative reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

katewryna's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

bookscreentalk's review

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4.0

"So, do you feel like playing God ?"

The story follows Joe Pearson, an old pathologist who has been getting a few complaints about his department from the rest of the hospital, but still refuses to accept extra help and is adamant on running the department alone.

A heartwarming story of how a decision can make or break some one's life.
Aptly called the final diagnosis, the book keeps you engaged with short chapters and brisk changes between the many character's story lines.
Would recommend!

guachypachy's review

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emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It kept me waiting on the verge for the something to happen and them bam! Got me. It had been happening all along. I really loved it!!! Every bit of it! 
It's not usual for a book to do that to me! 

akhilmohanp's review

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4.0

Felt Grey's Anatomy (2005) series is inspired by this 1959 book ;) .

cmasson17's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

rbriese7's review

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emotional informative tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

shom's review

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3.0

An authentic medical fiction, that feels pretty real and lively, once you see how the author have carefully and sequentially ensnared you into the world of these people of the Three County Hospital.
Given this book is written on 1958, and been witness to a number of other medical fiction in prose/reel, all I can say is, you can clearly see how this book may have inspired almost everyone of them(maybe?).
People who are already in medical area, may find this much more enjoyable than common folk as well as more common to relate to. And a guy like me, unknown to these parts, may find them fascinating upon exploration.
As far as the writing goes, there are all cliched things thrown in, which may feels so because the story is set in, in a bygone era, and bynow, all the elements in it have been used so much, it may come out cliched to you. The old-vs-new, the maintenance/moderation of the two, the jeopardy of choosing a lover, the question of loyalty/betrayal in the face of doom, the smell of the medical rooms, the sly humour in operation tables and many more.

In conclusion, its all about a final diagonals, of a long run processes of the hospital, as well as of the character : Dr. Joseph Pearson, an unforgettable one at that.

Recommended!

hattiereads's review

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4.0

A great read!
Several interweaving stories combine the intrigue of hospital politics with the vital role of the pathology department. Lots of interesting medical details (manages to include both direct and indirect Coombs tests) which rather than being thrown in as jargon to illustrate the setting, are actually crucial elements of the plot. Some important lessons about humility, hierachy, and revalidation.
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