A truly fascinating writing style is one that has the remarkable ability to be both subtle and humorous, while also delivering hard-hitting insights. It's a unique combination that can engage readers on multiple levels. This style allows the writer to convey complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. Sometimes, within the very same paragraph, the writer can shift from a light-hearted tone to a profound observation, leaving the reader with a sense of surprise and enlightenment. It keeps the reader on their toes, constantly guessing what will come next. Whether it's through the use of clever wordplay, unexpected juxtapositions, or a deft touch of irony, this writing style has the power to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

A perfectly fine story for a piece of literature.

I really enjoyed the scientific slant to the plot. Even though I don't have any medical training myself, it was fascinating to read about Martin's struggles and decisions.

Poor Martin had a very hard time figuring out what he wanted to be once he graduated from medical school. It's a career story that felt very modern, despite the fact that the setting was quite different from our current times.

Martin wanted to be a researcher from the start, but he simply couldn't figure out how to make it work. At the same time, his mind was constantly being drawn back to the lab, no matter what he was supposed to be doing. And he was so tied to his scientific ideals that he had difficulty working well with people in his other career choices.

The other main character in the book was Leora, Martin's wife. She didn't get nearly as much development as a character as Martin did. I constantly found myself wondering what Leora did all day while Martin was at work. She was always there for Martin, no matter what time he showed up or what kind of lab help he needed. However, it's not as if she was the perfect housewife. She couldn't cook, was always a bit unkempt, and they didn't have any kids. So, what exactly did she do all day? And then to have her die of the plague all alone while Martin was off meeting his future wife. That was definitely not a great end for her.

Overall, it was an interesting read that made me think about the choices we make in our careers and in our personal lives.

I have struggled with this book on multiple levels.

However, I am reluctant to criticize the author as much as I would the outdated science and the outdated social and political backdrop.

Perhaps this novel has simply aged less gracefully than most.

Many readers will likely find the characters unappealing, and this is especially true of the main protagonist, Martin Arrowsmith.

His ego and sense of righteousness, not to mention his sexism and libido, make him particularly unattractive.

The storyline, to the extent that it exists, appears muddled in its development.

It hinges on an underlying philosophical concept that the "purity" of scientific pursuit is somehow in conflict with commercialism, fame, and social acceptability.

This concept feels contrived, especially when dealing with the ethical conundrum of science versus public health during a plague outbreak on a Caribbean island, or when comparing the equipment and support of a modern laboratory to the hardships of a rustic life in a Vermont cabin.

Overall, while there may be some redeeming qualities to the book, these aspects significantly detract from the reading experience.

I’ll give this one 2.5 stars for the science.

It was extremely long and there was an excessive amount of repetition.

The question remains: Did Martin Arrowsmith truly desire to be a research scientist or a doctor?

Was his love for Leora genuine or was he more married to his “work”?

Completely unsure as to why there is a fictional US state - Winnemac? - when the other states are factual.

And, what a crazy ending!

Awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1926!

This work seems to have both its strengths and weaknesses. The scientific aspects might have been interesting, but the length and repetition detracted from the overall reading experience. The confusion regarding Martin's true calling and his relationship with Leora adds an element of mystery. The inclusion of a fictional state among real ones is rather puzzling. And the ending, well, it was quite unexpected and perhaps a bit too far-fetched.

Despite being awarded the Pulitzer Prize, this work leaves room for improvement and further exploration.