Books
by Henry Marsh
|
Admissions: A Life in Brain Surgery |
In this follow up to his previous memoir Do No Harm (bwl 75), Henry Marsh reflects further on his life as a neurosurgeon. Retiring from the NHS but continuing occasional support work in Nepal and the Ukraine, he faces up to what all these experiences have taught him about life and death. Almost as fascinating is his new passion - renovating a derelict cottage on the canal near Oxford to use as a woodworking workshop. A man of great skill and compassion, who writes with much humanity and refreshing honesty.
(Mary Standing - bwl 86 Autumn 2017) |
|
|
And Finally, Matters of Life and Death |
Facing his own mortality after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, symptoms long denied, Marsh, a retired neurosurgeon, gifts us his discursive book on becoming a patient, his continued joy in building things, his love for his grandchildren and much more. He is candid in his thoughts about his work, life and dying but this is not a bleak book without any humour. He is an optimist who believes in the power of hope, no matter how small.
(Christine Miller - bwl 107 Winter 2023) |
|
|
Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery |
The occasional description of brain surgery may not be for the squeamish but this leading NHS neurosurgeon honestly describes his successes and failures with great compassion for his patients, their families and his colleagues. Another thread in the book is his critical frustration with the NHS itself as it loses itself in bureaucracy, delays and computer passwords. Some may wish to consider surgeons as 'gods' but I preferred his humanity.
(Christine Miller - bwl 75 Winter 2015) |
|
|
|
