The Country Doctor

Archibald Joseph Cronin (1896–1981) was born in Scotland, graduated from the University of Glasgow, and worked as a doctor in South Wales and London. But his true calling was literature, to which he devoted himself after the overwhelming success of his first novel, “The House of Brody.” Other of A. Cronin’s most well-known books include “The Stars Look Down,” “The Citadel,” “The Young Men,” “The Shannon Way,” “The Keys of the Kingdom,” “The Monument to the Crusader,” and “Three Loves.” His most vivid novels became bestsellers worldwide, selling in huge numbers; more than 30 film adaptations have been made based on Cronin’s works. Yet it cannot be said that, having left medical practice, Archibald Cronin said goodbye to medicine forever.

This profession—and the problems and challenges of the time associated with it—always stirred the writer’s creative imagination, so the main character in his books was often a talented and driven doctor—someone to whom the author could pass on his ideas, viewpoints, and quests.

In the short story “The Local Doctor,” a romantic and gripping tale is told about Robert Murray, a doctor, and Mary, a nurse, who arrive at a remote Caribbean island on the eve of ominous events…

First time in Russian!