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Unnatural Causes: The Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist by Richard Shepherd
chataboutbooks15's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A frank and fascinating insight into the life and work of forensic pathologist, Dr Richard Shepherd.
If I'm honest, I wasn't a fan of the narration at the beginning. Dr Shepherd reads this book himself and to start with it was like he's literally just reading it, rather than actually telling the story, if you know what I mean. Considering it's his own story I expected a bit more.... I don't know what word I'm looking for, but I understand he isn't an actor and it didn't stop me from being fascinated by his subject matter. As the book progresses he must have found his voice because it does feel more like he's telling his story and I really enjoyed learning the factual aspects of his job, the ups and downs of a demanding career, the impact on his personal life, and his own mental health.
There are some sad recollections of baby deaths and suspected abuse cases which were difficult to listen to at times. Some you will have heard of before.
The saddest part for me was learning exactly what killed Princess Diana. I had always believed she had died in that car after that awful accident. The truth is even more sad somehow. To think wearing a seatbelt would have saved her life makes it all the more devastating.
If I'm honest, I wasn't a fan of the narration at the beginning. Dr Shepherd reads this book himself and to start with it was like he's literally just reading it, rather than actually telling the story, if you know what I mean. Considering it's his own story I expected a bit more.... I don't know what word I'm looking for, but I understand he isn't an actor and it didn't stop me from being fascinated by his subject matter. As the book progresses he must have found his voice because it does feel more like he's telling his story and I really enjoyed learning the factual aspects of his job, the ups and downs of a demanding career, the impact on his personal life, and his own mental health.
There are some sad recollections of baby deaths and suspected abuse cases which were difficult to listen to at times. Some you will have heard of before.
The saddest part for me was learning exactly what killed Princess Diana. I had always believed she had died in that car after that awful accident. The truth is even more sad somehow. To think wearing a seatbelt would have saved her life makes it all the more devastating.
zoebill96's review
challenging
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Medical content, Murder, Child death, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical trauma
saracox's review
4.0
I don't think this is a book I would immediately pick up if I saw it in the shelf. Although I have an interest in pathology (it was actually one of the career paths I considered at the young age of 13 when having to decide your GCSE options), I'm not so interested I would read about it. But this book surprised me! Dr Shepherd has been on hand for numerous high profile and high death count incidents. His story telling is phenomenal. I was so sad to read how forensic pathology eventually took its toll on his mind, but was glad to see he pursue with his interest. This is definitely a thankless job. And this book has given me so much insight. If you are a bit squeemish, this really isn't for you. There were times I felt, while reading, not engaged in the text but I was brought back after a while and towards the end when he talks about PTSD it is clear why writing style alters within the text.