Arrowsmith

Arrowsmith is a novel by American author Sinclair Lewis, first published in 1925. It is considered one of the masterpieces of 20th-century American narrative, and received the Pulitzer Prize in 1926, although it was rejected by the author. Lewis did not write the book alone, but enlisted the help of science writer Paul de Kruif, who received 25% of the royalties on sales despite not being listed as an author.

The book tells the story of doctor Martin Arrowsmith, tracing his professional career from his beginnings as a doctor's assistant in his hometown at the age of fourteen. Subsequently, he goes through the years studying at the medical school and throughout the development of his professional career.

Sinclair Lewis had quite a bit of medical knowledge as both of his parents were doctors. That is why it describes many aspects of the world of medicine really well, from training to ethical considerations. It also shows us, with a satirical tone, the envy, pressure and negligence that are sometimes associated with that world. On the other hand, he also praises the modest ambitions of many men and women who have a great vocation.