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dellereadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely brilliant and full of wisdom. Definitely want to reread this.
shelleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
“These stories were gleaned from the trenches, amidst the blood and the guts of it all. I offer stories from my life and my ‘case book’.
I’ve read a number of memoirs written by forensic pathologists/coroners/medical examiners and the like who practice in the UK, USA and Australia, and I was curious as to how the experience might differ in a country like Africa. Ryan Blumenthal has been a forensic pathologist, working primarily in South Africa, for over twenty years. There are approximately 70,000 unnatural deaths per year in South Africa, and as one of only 56 certified forensic pathologists in the country, Blumenthal performs up to 500 autopsies a year, but the role of the profession extends beyond the physical act of completing an autopsy, forensic pathologists are also crime scene investigators, and legal witnesses who are required to give testimony in court. It is a job that requires physical and mental stamina to withstand the long hours of work, the constant exposure to death, and the need to adapt to scientific, technological and sociocultural changes.
“[Forensic medicine is] The application of medical knowledge and methodology for the resolution of legal questions and problems for individuals and societies.”
The general philosophy and practice of a forensic pathologist in South Africa is not too far removed from that of his (or her) colleagues in other countries, however they do face challenges unique to the country’s status as a developing nation, which means basic resources such as labour, electricity, running water and insect spray (vital due to the prevalence of flies) can be limited, or even absent, particularly in rural areas of the country, and in other third world areas of the African continent. Blumenthal describes what a typical autopsy and investigation entails for him, and while he is pragmatic about the lack of television’s CSI ‘fancyshmancy’ equipment, certain that the knowledge and ability of the forensic pathologist matters more, he does emphasise the importance of proper resourcing as a benefit society.
“As the Latin expression goes, ex Africa semper aliquid novi – always something new out of Africa.”
Forensic pathologists in Africa also face trauma that is unique to the culture and environment. This not only includes deaths caused by native wildlife like hippopotami, lions, elephants and kudu, as well as poisonings related to the misuse of traditional medicines, but also methods of murder such as ‘necklacing’, where a person’s torso and arms are trapped in a rubber tyre filled with gasoline and set alight. Deaths related to lightning strikes are more common in Africa than almost anywhere else. Blumenthal relates his experiences with these type of cases, as well as those from more common causes of unnatural death, such as car accidents, drug overdoses, gunshots and stabbing. I found both Blumenthal’s general observations and the details of the individual cases he shared to be fascinating.
“My wish is that this book will help to make you more aware and more mindful.”
Blumenthal’s writing is accessible with a minimal use of jargon but I do think the material could have been better organised as there is some repetition in both the information and prose. I wasn’t particularly keen on the moralising either, even though his observations and advice were generally reasonable, there were a few statements that belied Blumenthal’s claim of impartiality to the deceased.
“We close the eyes of the dead, but the dead open the eyes of the living.”
Elucidating the unique experiences and challenges faced by forensic pathologists, particularly in South Africa, overall I found Autopsy to be an interesting, informative and satisfying read.
I’ve read a number of memoirs written by forensic pathologists/coroners/medical examiners and the like who practice in the UK, USA and Australia, and I was curious as to how the experience might differ in a country like Africa. Ryan Blumenthal has been a forensic pathologist, working primarily in South Africa, for over twenty years. There are approximately 70,000 unnatural deaths per year in South Africa, and as one of only 56 certified forensic pathologists in the country, Blumenthal performs up to 500 autopsies a year, but the role of the profession extends beyond the physical act of completing an autopsy, forensic pathologists are also crime scene investigators, and legal witnesses who are required to give testimony in court. It is a job that requires physical and mental stamina to withstand the long hours of work, the constant exposure to death, and the need to adapt to scientific, technological and sociocultural changes.
“[Forensic medicine is] The application of medical knowledge and methodology for the resolution of legal questions and problems for individuals and societies.”
The general philosophy and practice of a forensic pathologist in South Africa is not too far removed from that of his (or her) colleagues in other countries, however they do face challenges unique to the country’s status as a developing nation, which means basic resources such as labour, electricity, running water and insect spray (vital due to the prevalence of flies) can be limited, or even absent, particularly in rural areas of the country, and in other third world areas of the African continent. Blumenthal describes what a typical autopsy and investigation entails for him, and while he is pragmatic about the lack of television’s CSI ‘fancyshmancy’ equipment, certain that the knowledge and ability of the forensic pathologist matters more, he does emphasise the importance of proper resourcing as a benefit society.
“As the Latin expression goes, ex Africa semper aliquid novi – always something new out of Africa.”
Forensic pathologists in Africa also face trauma that is unique to the culture and environment. This not only includes deaths caused by native wildlife like hippopotami, lions, elephants and kudu, as well as poisonings related to the misuse of traditional medicines, but also methods of murder such as ‘necklacing’, where a person’s torso and arms are trapped in a rubber tyre filled with gasoline and set alight. Deaths related to lightning strikes are more common in Africa than almost anywhere else. Blumenthal relates his experiences with these type of cases, as well as those from more common causes of unnatural death, such as car accidents, drug overdoses, gunshots and stabbing. I found both Blumenthal’s general observations and the details of the individual cases he shared to be fascinating.
“My wish is that this book will help to make you more aware and more mindful.”
Blumenthal’s writing is accessible with a minimal use of jargon but I do think the material could have been better organised as there is some repetition in both the information and prose. I wasn’t particularly keen on the moralising either, even though his observations and advice were generally reasonable, there were a few statements that belied Blumenthal’s claim of impartiality to the deceased.
“We close the eyes of the dead, but the dead open the eyes of the living.”
Elucidating the unique experiences and challenges faced by forensic pathologists, particularly in South Africa, overall I found Autopsy to be an interesting, informative and satisfying read.
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Told you I read a lot of these books *laughs*
This though, it's different in the sense that the author lives and works in South Africa, with all the challenges, cultural differences and contrasts imaginable between this one and the usual British/American ones that I've read.
It has some brilliant moments, some really interesting tidbits of information. all told in a very accessible way that makes it easy to follow. Seriously, it never gets boring.
My only complaint is that it gets a little preachy by the end. Sorry, man, I know how to live my life :P
And hey, Ettienne Durandt's narration was excellent!
This though, it's different in the sense that the author lives and works in South Africa, with all the challenges, cultural differences and contrasts imaginable between this one and the usual British/American ones that I've read.
It has some brilliant moments, some really interesting tidbits of information. all told in a very accessible way that makes it easy to follow. Seriously, it never gets boring.
My only complaint is that it gets a little preachy by the end. Sorry, man, I know how to live my life :P
And hey, Ettienne Durandt's narration was excellent!
rgarli905's review against another edition
4.0
I love books like this and have read a number of books of this genre. This one did not disappoint. Interesting insight into the world of forensics.
abookwormwithwine's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
I ended up reading [b:Autopsy: Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa|54801184|Autopsy Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa|Ryan Blumenthal|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596473546l/54801184._SY75_.jpg|85489817] by [a:Ryan Blumenthal|1074791|Ryan Blumenthal|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] because I saw it reviewed on #bookstagram by a trusted source of true crime reviews. She seemed to really have enjoyed it, so I knew I was going to have to read it too and I am glad I did because it was fascinating! The book is split into many chapters with each covering a specific topic. I think the ways of dying chapters were the most interesting to me, but I wasn't bored with this little book once. I don't know a whole lot about being a forensic pathologist, and even though I know I could never do it myself, I was eager to learn more about what they do. I love how detailed Blumenthal gets in this book, and I especially liked that he includes a glossary of terms at the end as well as a few pictures scattered throughout.
There are definitely some graphic depictions in the book, and there were plenty of times I thought something was gross, so this isn't for the squeamish reader. This is real life, and Blumenthal doesn't hold back on details. I liked that the reader gets a specific look at what it's like doing this job in South Africa, and there are definitely some special challenges forensic pathologists have to face there. I especially loved the audiobook, although it isn't narrated by Blumenthal which would have been really cool. However, the narrator Ettienne Durandt was fantastic, and I think the audio is super helpful since I didn't know how to say half of the terms spoken of in the book. I also loved the way Blumenthal wrote this, basically speaking to the reader as though they are interested in becoming a forensic pathologist. Overall, this was a very informative and interesting book, and if you are interested in what a forensic pathologist does and don't mind having a bunch of terms thrown at you, then you will most likely really enjoy Autopsy.
I ended up reading [b:Autopsy: Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa|54801184|Autopsy Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa|Ryan Blumenthal|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596473546l/54801184._SY75_.jpg|85489817] by [a:Ryan Blumenthal|1074791|Ryan Blumenthal|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] because I saw it reviewed on #bookstagram by a trusted source of true crime reviews. She seemed to really have enjoyed it, so I knew I was going to have to read it too and I am glad I did because it was fascinating! The book is split into many chapters with each covering a specific topic. I think the ways of dying chapters were the most interesting to me, but I wasn't bored with this little book once. I don't know a whole lot about being a forensic pathologist, and even though I know I could never do it myself, I was eager to learn more about what they do. I love how detailed Blumenthal gets in this book, and I especially liked that he includes a glossary of terms at the end as well as a few pictures scattered throughout.
There are definitely some graphic depictions in the book, and there were plenty of times I thought something was gross, so this isn't for the squeamish reader. This is real life, and Blumenthal doesn't hold back on details. I liked that the reader gets a specific look at what it's like doing this job in South Africa, and there are definitely some special challenges forensic pathologists have to face there. I especially loved the audiobook, although it isn't narrated by Blumenthal which would have been really cool. However, the narrator Ettienne Durandt was fantastic, and I think the audio is super helpful since I didn't know how to say half of the terms spoken of in the book. I also loved the way Blumenthal wrote this, basically speaking to the reader as though they are interested in becoming a forensic pathologist. Overall, this was a very informative and interesting book, and if you are interested in what a forensic pathologist does and don't mind having a bunch of terms thrown at you, then you will most likely really enjoy Autopsy.
alstrath's review against another edition
4.0
When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it, because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be like. But I'm glad I didn't give up.
The author doesn't just relate autopsy stories, he gives insight into the system; the difficulties they face; the fact that things are not always as they appear on TV, whilst also relating incidents in his career that intrigued him.
Being a fellow South African I could relate to some of the issues that he raised about working conditions - lack of power/water/labour as its a reality all of us face. And I think something that First World countries can't believe actually happen and possibly consider fiction.
I found his 10 "rules" for a longer life very interesting and very valuable and true.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
The author doesn't just relate autopsy stories, he gives insight into the system; the difficulties they face; the fact that things are not always as they appear on TV, whilst also relating incidents in his career that intrigued him.
Being a fellow South African I could relate to some of the issues that he raised about working conditions - lack of power/water/labour as its a reality all of us face. And I think something that First World countries can't believe actually happen and possibly consider fiction.
I found his 10 "rules" for a longer life very interesting and very valuable and true.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
prettyinpapercuts's review against another edition
2.0
Autopsy was partly interesting anecdotes about all sorts of death and partly a series of lectures, kinda like my dad used to give me. I liked the anecdotes a lot, but the lectures came off very shamey and judgy. The author clearly has a lot of opinions on what he does, what he stands for, and how he thinks everyone else should live. That's super cool for him, but not for me.