Brilliantly honest and entertaining

Loved it. A compelling account of the life of a surgeon - warts and all!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A heart felt portrail of a career in neurosurgery

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a candid account of the trials and tribulations of Mr Marshes career. The book is set out in a case study style, with medical/life/career scenarios discussed within. There really is something for everyone in this book, technical terms and concepts are explained with the skill one could expect from a seasoned professional. He discusses the moral and ethical dilemmas faced within his career and the field in general as well as incorporating some very charming stories. Some even had me at the point of tears!
The narration was on the whole very good. The narrator has an interesting and very textured voice which I thought suited the book pretty well, he also demonstrates an expansive skill for accents.

Negatives
as mentioned by other reviews, the narrator voices most of the patients with local accents, almost making it seem like they are all simple, blue collar types - especially those who were difficult or awkward to treat.
At times the author can seem pompous with delusions of grandeur, however, I believe this is perhaps the intent. The book general follows the flow of his career chronologically and it seems the pomposity and hubris decreases as the book goes on in line with his inner feelings and awareness of mortality progress - so do bare with it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good book but not well read

I can’t help thinking that this should have been read by someone with a medical background
It just wasn’t right for me

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Really interesting story pity about the narration

Mr Marsh’s story was very interesting so it was real pity that the narrator made him sound so pompous. I didn’t think that the words related to the tone.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superbly Moreish!!

Husband suggested I read this and whilst the subject matter seemed a Little boring and potentially sad.... I loved it!!!
The writer and narrator synced perfectly and I couldn’t wait to get back in
the car !!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating

I loved this audible book it was so interesting as well as frustrating to see how the whole NHS staff cope these days with lack of beds, management directives etc. A great insight into the surgery of the brain, which had me shouting at the speaker with elation when someone survived to enjoy a long life. There are also many times when the outcome isn't so good 😞A great listen to any medical drama enthusiast !

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Be Warned

Anyone facing major surgery, as so many of us do in later life, should listen to the stories from the medical battle field. Read with brio by Jim Barclay it gives invaluable insight into the thinking and feelings of a high achieving surgeon. Written with unflinching honesty he describes his successes and his failings. A bloody difficult man to manage but just the sort of person to entrust with your life. This a game changer of an audio book. One if the best I have ever listened to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good to listen, honest portrayal

Nice to hear honest views from a surgeon especially a neurosurgeon. would have been nice if the book had some sort of an ending rather than finishing abruptly after an anecdote.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating and Absorbing

If you could sum up Do No Harm in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, moving and life affirming. It adds a humanity to an area of medical science that is life changing and terrifying for those who encounter it. The narration is strong if slightly monotone and almost works. It does lack the passion you get from an author reading on a subject like this

What about Jim Barclay’s performance did you like?

It is business like and has the ring of a consultant. It does lack passion though and can sound distant and observational which is at odds with the tone of the narrative.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Your mind in his hands...

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable and very sobering.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable

Really enjoyed this book, so interesting and great narration. I would highly recommend it. Each chapter can be enjoyed on its own.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!