Adventures in Two Worlds

by A.J. Cronin

Adventures in Two Worlds – an autobiographical novel of a general practitioner turned author, who went on to write such famous novels as The Citadel , Hatter's Castle , The Keys of the Kingdom , The Stars Look Down , not forgetting the television’s Dr. Finlay series sand many other bestsellers. A master storyteller, A J Cronin presents possibly his most fascinating tale.

Genres: Classics, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Biography Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Archibald Joseph Cronin was a Scottish novelist, dramatist, and non-fiction writer who was one of the most renowned storytellers of the twentieth century. His best-known works are The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom, both of which were made into Oscar-nominated films. He also created the Dr. Finlay character, the hero of a series of stories that served as the basis for the long-running BBC television and radio series entitled Dr. Finlay's Casebook.
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin

Reviews

[Metodi Markov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Пътят на един младеж, твърдо решил да стане богат и уважаван лекар, който обаче завършва пред пишещата машина.

Интересни истории, добър писателски стил и приятно прекарани няколко часа - това е запазената марка на Крониновото творчество. Сам той е бил дълги години общопрактикуващ лекар, преди да стане писател и голяма част от описаното в книгите му е достоверно и със силен автобиографичен елемент.

Има някаква старомодна атмосфера тази творба, без това да е ни най-малко неприятно за читателя.

P.S. Някои откровения и случки в книгата не ми допаднаха, от там и по-ниската ми оценка за нея.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading.

If you haven't read anything by Cronin, start with this. It gives you a picture of who he is--his experiences and philosophy of life.

If you have travelled around Europe, you'll love it. He captures the atmosphere and character of places superbly.

I listened to this read by Ulf Palm. Both the translation and narration are very well done.

Cronin's religious beliefs are stronger than mine. This becomes evident at the book's cinclusion and explains why I gave the book four rather than five stars.

*******

Standalones:

*The Keys of the Kingdom 5 stars
*The Stars Look Down 5 stars
*A Thing of Beauty 4 stars
*The Citadel 4 stars
*Adventures in Two Worlds 4 srats
(autobiography)
*The Judas Tree 4 stars
*The Spanish Gardener 4 stars
*Hatter's Castle 4 stars
*Beyond This Place TBR
*Three Loves  TBR
*The Northern Light TBR
*Vigil in the NightTBR
*Grand Canary TBR

Duologies:
1,The Green Years 5 stars
2.Shannon's Way 3 stars
--------------------
1.A Song of Sixpence 5 stars
2.A Pocketful of Rye 3 stars

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to this author, though certainly not the last.
Absolutely loved his style, unique command of English
that made reading pure pleasure.
Two of his books were made into movies.
Based on this autobiographical book, the BBC ran an ongoing series, Dr. Finlay.
Amazing man. Amazing human interest stories from Scotland, Wales, London, Europe.
Found it in the lounge library while searching for Scottish authors for the Scotland Reading Challenge 2013.

Frustrated my original and lengthy review seems lost - a repeat occurence at goodreads it seems - perhaps just my experience? Anyway, a book worth reading and appreciating the elegant and descriptive writing. From the male perspective which I tend to appreciate when relationships are part of the story...

[Христо Блажев · Rating 4 out of 5]

Арчибълд Кронин описва своите “Приключения в два свята”
http://www.knigolandia.info/2011/04/b...

Ако щете вярвайте, усетих се, че чета автобиография чак на последните 50-ина страници. Сериозно! Обикновено търся информация за дадена книга, след като съм я прочел, за да не си създавам предварителни очаквания. И в този случай това ми изигра забавна шега.

Голям почитател съм на Кронин, безспорно, “Замъкът на шапкаря” и “Цитаделата” са великолепни романи, далеч над самодостатъчното писане, а прекрасни огледала на епохата си. Затова и “Приключения в два свята” ме подлъга – главният герой се бори с живота по начин, изключително наподобяващ този на д-р Андрю Менсън от “Цитаделата”, и само с лекото си недоволство за подобните сюжети аз усърдно продължих да следя неговите странствания из Англия, докато успява да наложи лекарската си практика сред висшите кръгове в Лондон.

[Knigoqdec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Тук ясно проличава колко много от личните си преживявания Кронин претворява в творбите си. Чудесна полу-автобиография (не знам защо е полу, от описанието така разбрах, може би на някои места просто е драматизирал повече). Много чаровна картина на живота по онова време. Малко необичайно усещане, може би защото ежедневието ни отдавна вече не е това, което е било тогава. Кронин споделя личните си мнения и разказва с чаровна лекота. Може би затова го харесвах още като тийнейджърка, макар сега споменът от "Цитаделата" да ми е по-блед.

[Gopal Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all Archibald Joseph Cronin ever published was this autobiography, he would still remain one of my favorite authors - Such is the rich tapestry of life experiences and wisdom that’s woven into this sublime compilation of his life.

In the Adventures in Two Worlds, A J Cronin reflects on his early career as a physician and his eventual transition into writing - the two worlds alluded to in the title. As the book unfolds it’s evident how Cronin’s medical experience profoundly shaped his storytelling, infusing his novels with an authentic emotional depth and an understanding for human suffering.

Cronin went on to become one of the most prolific and popular writers ever to be read. His novels were picturized in blockbuster Hollywood movies - in 1943, Gregory Peck made his debut in films playing a young priest who fights the Catholic church establishment and dogma in Keys of the kingdom; Cronin’s novels were also translated into international movie scripts and those too resulted in huge successes. As a matter of fact some of the most popular movies from the golden era of the Indian film industry are based on A J Cronin’s stories.

The highlight of Adventures in Two Worlds is Cronin’s unique perspective. The vivid portraits he paints, of the people he encounters, offer the reader many poignant narratives to reflect on. Cronin’s keen observational skills and his compassion for the human condition were very key to his success as a novelist. As a Cronin fan reading thru this autobiography, it was thrilling to be able to witness first hand, the circumstances that inspired him to pick out the plots for some of his more popular works.

Inspite of being a fantastically gifted writer with highly original novels to his credit, Cronin was never accorded his due in the so called literary circles of his day. Today, very few of his novels are still stocked by major booksellers. Most of his works have ceased publication and I only ever encounter them - albeit infrequently, in used book stores….And for that I am grateful.

[Ренета Кирова · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Приключения в два свята" на Арчибалд Кронин е автобиографичен роман. Той пише за своя живот, разказвайки за медицинското училище, лекарската практика и трансформацията му в писател.
Няма нищо скучно в книгата. Среща ни с различни хора във всяка глава.
Според мен главите могат да се четат и като разкази. Много са интересни случаите му, написани са много увлекателно. Някои от разказите са трогателни, човешки и те карат да се замислиш.
Препоръчвам тази книга!

[Kim Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Единствено голямата прилика със сюжета на "Цитаделата" ме спира да дам 5 звезди на този роман. Истинска чест беше за мен да се потопя в приключенията на самият Кронин. Вълнуващо е.

[Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si bien la novela trata la historia de un personaje en concreto, cada capitulo se siente como un cuento corto independiente, lo cual me agradó bastante. Si cada uno de ellos constara de 10 páginas, durante las primeras dos siempre me costaba un poco engancharme, pero una vez llegaba a la tercera ya no podía parar hasta el final. Aún así muchas veces terminaban siendo algo previsibles.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, The Citadel is my very first book of A. J. Cronin's works. I don't really enjoy The Citadel that much at first, maybe because of the translator. So I just stopped reading it for a while. Then one day, I was at work. I finished all my work and had nothing to do. So I explored the Z library, and yes, I saw this—the adventures in two worlds. I started to read this and can't stop reading. The way he devoted his life in both the medical field as a doctor and the literature field as an author. And also, the way he wrote the stories every person he met made him more mature and thoughtful. Some stories are heartwarming, and some stories are full of sorrow, which is showing what this world is kept growing in many ways. Some people laugh, some people cry. Some people are trying to be the best for their lives. Even in the world war, people are eager to keep living. This is what human beings are. I also like his philosophy from his point of view; he is very erudite. Very comfortable to read. Give me more things to think about. He inspired me a lot where the part he tried to get passed one of the hardest exams against the top students. He had an ego; he had greed, but every story of his patients shaped him to become more gentle and kind. Worth our time to read.

[Avis Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally got around to this one in the middle of a binge of British memoir-reading and was sorry I hadn't read it earlier. The author was a doctor in the first half of the 1900s, and he writes a bit like James Herriott, except with people instead of animals. He later wrote several works of fiction based on his own experiences and became a popular author in his day. His works were used in both TV and film, and I enjoyed the book quite a lot. It's recommended for anyone with an interest in medicine.

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supposedly autobiographical effort by Cronin bears all-too-close resemblance to the lives of real life general practitioners Bill Simpson and Ben Cross (as seen on TV in Dr Finlay's Casebook and The Citadel respectively)). Should be compulsory reading for patients, particularly the worried well who get short shrift in this pre-NHS account, and anyone considering becoming a doctor can breathe a sigh of relief that the good old days portrayed here are well and truly over.

[Ngdecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had interesting stories from various parts of Dr. Cronin's life - many from when he practiced medicine, some from his writing days and others from touring Europe after WWII. It ended with his religious views. I enjoyed it and found it very interesting, but was disappointed that it really lacked many details of his personal life - I found that a little odd for an autobiography. I have read a couple of his books, and will probably read some others.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I first read many years ago, in the late 1950s or early 1960s, and in those days, being an aspiring writer, I found it very interesting to learn the story of how Cronin started out as a doctor, how he came to start writing, and, I suppose, how he turned his experiences as a doctor into books. I have not re-read the book for quite a long time, but I recall that I found it very instructive and inspiring.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книгата ми хареса, макар и да не блести с уникален стил и проникновена мъдрост. Въвежда читателя в един дрег свят, който е бил жив и вибрирал едва преди 60-70 години. Свят, в който медицината се е практикувала по съвсем друг начин и е била едва-едва докосната от ефекта на солидарните фондове.
Едва в самия край човек си дава сметка, че книгата е автобиографична и Кронин разказва за собствения си живот.

[Elitsa Hristova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Бях достатъчно впечатлена, че да прочета пърата книга на доктора, който е написал своята автобиография. Разказва увлекателно и интересно. Знам, че на младини съм се опитвала да чета "Дървото на Юда", но май не ми е било за възрастта.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

В голяма степен повтаря сюжета на "Цитаделата" и "Пътят на доктор Шенън", но въпреки това е много приятна за четене. Понеже съм чела другите две в младежките си години повторението не ми пречи.

[Адриана К. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"За да постигне определена цел, човек трябва да се откаже от всичко друго, да напрегне всичките си способности и сили..."

[Vassiliadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Όταν ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω -βλέποντας τις σελίδες- αναρωτήθηκα πόσο καιρό θα μου έπαιρνε να το διαβάσω, όμως τελικά διαψεύστηκα. Με ηλκυε τόσο πολύ, ώστε το βράδυ παρόλη την κούραση της μέρας, αδημονουσα να το πιάσω στα χέρια μου.

Το βιβλίο αποτελεί την αυτοβιογραφία συγγραφέα και αποδεικνύει περίτρανα για ποιον λόγο έγινε κλασικός. Ο τρόπος που αφηγείται τα γεγονότα, η περιγραφή των χαρακτήρων χωρίς να γίνεται ηθικοδιδακτικά σου μένει για πάντα στο μυαλό. Δεν κρίνει, ούτε καταδικάζει. Σε αφήνει να βγάλεις τα συμπεράσματά σου και να σκεφτείς.

Το βιβλίο αποτελείται από τέσσερα μέρη καθένα από τα οποία σηματοδοτεί μια διαφορετική περίοδο στη ζωή του συγγραφέα. Ξεκινώντας θα διαπιστώσει κάποιος αναγνώστης, που έχει διαβάσει όλα του τα βιβλία, ότι επαναλαμβάνει συνοπτικά την ιστορία του από τα Ώριμα Χρόνια. Μετά ως γιατρός πλοίου εξιστορεί περιληπτικά το βιβλίο Εξωτικά Νησιά κι όταν γίνεται βοηθός γιατρού σε ένα μικρό χωριό, εκεί πια σε 120 σελίδες διαβάζουμε ξανά το βιβλίο του Τα Μυστικά Ενός Γιατρού. Ίσως όχι όλο το βιβλίο αυτούσιο, αλλά σίγουρα τις ωραιότερες ιστορίες.

Στο τρίτο μέρος ,που μετοικεί στο Λονδίνο με την οικογένειά του, εκεί έχω την εντύπωση πως θυμόμουν κάποιες ιστορίες από Το Κάστρο δίχως όμως να είμαι σίγουρη, αφού το είχα διαβάσει το 1987.

Στο τέταρτο και τελευταίο μέρος περιγράφει την ζωή του ως συγγραφέας και τα ταξίδια του. Στο κεφάλαιο αυτό γράφει τις σκέψεις του για τη θρησκεία, τον άνθρωπο, την οικογένεια, τον γάμο όχι με τρόπο ανιαρό, αλλά ζωντανό μέσα από παραδείγματα. Τα συμπεράσματά του έχουν διαχρονική αξία και νομίζεις ότι γράφτηκαν χθες.
Νομίζω ότι δεν έχω γράψει ποτέ μεγαλύτερη κριτική για βιβλίο κι είναι κρίμα που σπανίζει πλέον η ανεύρεση του για ανάγνωση.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we were in England, at the Sutton Hoo National Trust site, there was a used book store to my surprise. Perfect timing because I needed something to read for the next phase of our trip. The shopkeeper and I had a nice chat about books after I complimented him on his selection. He asked me who my favorite author was and I said, I don’t know! So, I asked him back. He didn’t have an answer either. But later, he came over and said “A.J. Cronin” and that he’d read all of his books and that they were old, out of date for today, but he still recommended them. He suggested this title to start. So, I asked in every book shop for the next 3 weeks of our trip and no one knew of him or carried his books. Then, it dawned on me that our library system at home might have it. Lo and behold, there was a copy, now almost 75 years old which I could order from one the oldest libraries, one county over. This book is a non-fiction,41 stories from his life as a doctor who becomes a writer, from post-WW1 through WW2 until 1952 when he completes this book. Has an “All Creatures Great and Small” feel to it.
Like any book written by a man who was born during that time frame, women are not treated as equals, but there so many other aspects of the book that I found compelling, especially given the current state of the world, that I feel it was well worth reading. Things have changed but they haven’t changed. He takes us Scotland to India to Wales to London to Scotland again and Europe, before and after the war, and eventually to the United States.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has to be one of my favourite books, and it has been for the past couple of years.

I found this book by chance when I was exploring a thrift shop in town. At the time, I was writing a book about two parallel words that unfolded at the same time, so the title of the book made me think it had a similar topic. It was not, but I was not disappointed by that, in fact.

First things first: it is an autobiography, not fiction. Despite that, I only realised what it was after finishing it, when I looked it up on Wikipedia out of sheer curiosity. There I found out Archibald, the main character, was actually AJ Cronin himself! It was a book about how he become a doctor, and later a writer. But I think the fact it is actually a biography is what makes it special.

Why? Because it looks like a story about a fictional character, but the fact it is an actual story gives it a great descriptive depth. I read other works by Cronin (Caleidoscope in K and Lady with Carnations), but this one feels so much more immersive. I used to think you need lengthy descriptions packed with devices to make a good novel, but he taught me (right from the 50s!) a light artstyle can do marvels if used correctly.

The only downside is that I found it second-handed, and I doubt you can buy it from a book shop anymore. Still, the full text is online.

[Dorcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, our evening mealtimes were spent exchanging stories of what we did that day, who we met and any adventures we had. Which may be why I love memoirs by people like James Herriot and AJ Cronin. The reader gets to go along for the ride and experience a day, a month, a year in their world.

I really loved this and could see where Cronin gathered some of his ideas for later fictional works.

The first 90% is his life as a medical student and a country doctor, culminating in his desire to write when his health fails. The last 10% goes a little off topic and dwells on his return to the Catholic fold from which he drifted.

I can't criticize the content, it's his memoir not mine. But to me, the last 10% darted off topic and was a little odd. It ended, frankly, in knots. It is just strange when an author barely mentions religion for 200 pages to turn zealot at the final inning. It seemed abrupt. But it's his book.

[Rajkumar Trikannad]

Adventure in Two Worlds by Dr A.J.Cronin is a Book that inspired me in my youth the most I am of 1945 and went to Sea at age 17 I had so much time to Read. I was on merchant ships for 15 years and this book stayed with me Even today I have a copy ordered from London years ago My small print reading is limited but I can recall the book and many incidents There are many anecdotes like Hassan the ships Serang who looks after sick sailors in critical times, the life of Dot and Carrie –a gem of a youth turned Doctor with service to all the countryside The two brothers who sell flowers to earn and nurse a sister back to health, the Old Man carrying child into a church with Faith, even after the child has losing both legs in WW2 and more.
Evocative Writing opens us up and has a Transparent touch and permits -a reader to Mirror with his or her own experiences . Most Cultures seldom encourage this-mirroring. I must honestly admit the West has more of this--- Not many share as Self disclosure is tough as I have seen it in my HR Programes as it draws on experience from the past-inc Childhood memories and can be some times a bit difficult and saddening. Depends on Writers Choice and finally the Reader only.

Many great Writers of yesteryear like AJ Cronin- my fav Author in his Autobiography "Adventure in two worlds" have used this Evocative and Anecdotal style so well. It narrates and shares- Teaches. Each chapter is an anecdote from his own life and ends with a lesson. It was my favourite book in my Sea days -have read it hundreds of times -esp selected Chapters .It taught me so much. An old stained copy is always with me on my shelf
Best Regards
Capt. TR ( Retired Mariner)

[Jennifer Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to step through into an earlier age - that of my grandparents - in order to immerse myself in these stories. The book was written in the style of so many of the time, with a bit of a moral at the end, and a poignant note, but it was still immensely enjoyable. Already loving Scotland, and Wales, I more particularly enjoyed those aspects of his encounters, and I remember seeing the black and white series of Dr Finlay's Casebook when I was young, and realised I was reading the foundation stories for that tv series. His journey, both in career, environment, personal, and spiritual was a joy to follow.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sort of read this by accident. I wanted to give Cronin a go and picked it up second hand not realising it wasn't a novel but the somewhat fictionalised autobiography of a young medical doctor in the 1920s and beyond into his life as a writer.

Many chapters can be read as stand-alone stories. There are horrors here but also optimism (and a bit of preachiness), the denouements are sometimes heart rending. I often had to pause to get rid of the lump in my throat before commencing the next.

A good read simply written, served up in bite size portions (if you can forgive all the god botherer stuff towards the end).

[Robin Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Cronin was one of the most successful novelists of the last century. His books sold millions of copies, were adapted for radio, film & later TV. Today, sadly hardly anyone reads him.
This book, although written as a novel, is autobiographical. It tells his life story from his youth as a medical student to the years just after the Second World War when he had found fame & fortune as an author.
The anecdotes include many amusing or poignant moments in the life of the real Dr Finlay - his most enduring creation.
Highly recommend as an introduction to this great author.

[Maria Panova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Великолепна книга, каквито са всичките на Кронин. Чете се на един дъх, описва проблемите, с които се сблъсква лекарят в практиката си. Истинските проблеми и усилена работа във всички области на медицината, а не като сега - така наречената ПЪТЕЧКОВА МЕДИЦИНА, която ни обезличи като лекари, ама на кой му пука?! Арчибълд Кронин пише изключително увлекателно и книгите му се четат на един дъх, посветени в по-голямата си част на медицината, на истинската медицина!!!

[Judith A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Feel engaged in the story. A must read for all!

Having read Keys to the Kingdom in high school and recently watching the series, Dr. Finley, i looked forward to one of his books. This proves to be a wonderful read. He puts the reader right in the midst of the story. Loved it and will read more of his writings.

[John Pitcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, partially because it was set in the U.K. from Scotland to Wales. Some of which was in a small coal mining town like where I grew up in West Virginia. The author highlighted his beginnings of becoming a doctor, then leaving that profession to become a successful writer. Hence this book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a long time since I read his novels so was so glad to come across this book. Well written, short enough chapters to savor one or two each day. Great to read of how his two careers evolved and especially glad to see how his faith returned later in life. Perhaps his books are out of print now but I hope I can find them somewhere. Great writing by a great writer.