Henry Marsh's first book, Do No Harm was a bit like a neurosurgeon's version of Dr Oliver Sack's works, a collection of case studies from his years as a consultant neurosurgeon in London hospitals. In part, this second book continues in the same vein, with many fascinating stories from both home and abroad - Marsh made frequent visits to Ukraine and Nepal over the years, operating on countless patients and training local doctors. But it is also much much more. As he approaches retirement Marsh begins to look forward with both fear and trepidation, work having always been the central and most important part of his life. He also looks back, reflecting on his career and his life. The increasingly bureaucratic nature of hospitals makes for some hysterically funny, if infuriating episodes. The collection of 'ghosts' in his head - patients whom he failed to help, or worse, whom he actually harmed during an operation - grows with each year, and will always haunt him. It is self evident that great skill and confidence are pre-requisites for a successful career in neurosurgery - after all, who would want a ditherer operating on their brain? It takes many years for Marsh to recognise that humility is equally important. This is a fascinating and beautifully written book.
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