Do No Harm cover art

Do No Harm

Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery

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Do No Harm

By: Henry Marsh
Narrated by: Jim Barclay
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About this listen

What is it really like to be a brain surgeon, to hold someone's life in your hands, to drill down into the stuff that creates thought, feeling and reason?

In this brutally honest account, one of the country's top neurosurgeons reveals what it is to play god in life-and-death situations. Henry Marsh gives us a rare insight into the intense drama of the operating theatre and the exquisite complexity of the human brain.

©2014 Henry Marsh (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd Medical Physics Professionals & Academics Science Human Brain Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Surgery

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Editor reviews

The incredible life of a brain surgeon in the NHS and the heart-breaking stories of his patients are described in the honest and revealing unabridged audiobook Do No Harm, written by brain surgeon Henry Marsh and narrated by Jim Barclay. Take a fascinating look into the neurosurgical operating room and gain a deep sense of the weight of responsibility the performing surgeon must bear forever. Told with the deepest compassion and loyalty to the lives of others, Marsh writes with eloquence about the profound significance of an organ that makes us who we are as individuals. Available now from Audible.
All stars
Most relevant  
Loved it. A compelling account of the life of a surgeon - warts and all!

Brilliantly honest and entertaining

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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!

A heart felt portrail of a career in neurosurgery

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

Good book but not well read

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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.

Really interesting story pity about the narration

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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 !!

Superbly Moreish!!

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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 !

Fascinating

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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.

Be Warned

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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.

Good to listen, honest portrayal

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This is an excellent read (listen). Clearly narrated and wonderfully expressed.
Marsh's description of surgery is amazing and puts you right there in the operating theatre. His description of the protocols he has to deal with are enlightening. This book shows the difficulties faced when having to make life or death decisions and also having to communicate with families. A great book which I will listen to again and again.
Roger Brown

neurosurgeons, problems and protocol

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Where does Do No Harm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is up there with the best of them. I couldn't stop listening, despite my annoyance with the narrator

What was one of the most memorable moments of Do No Harm?

The story of his own child's brain tumour

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reader expresses pent-up rage and exasperation. In some cases that is warranted, when he speaks about misguided politicians. Sometimes his tone gets in the way of the storyline. I got annoyed with it about halfway through

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

A Day in the life of a Neurologist

Any additional comments?

An amazing book

A must read!

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