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notyourmom's review against another edition
2.0
What originally brought me to the memoir was the idea that we would read about the weird and strange, even the mundane, autopsies the author conducted. Unfortunately, the stories were more "140 character tweets" than in-depth accounts.
I would have encouraged the author to simplify his language to allow for a wider audience, more accessible to his mission of advancing pathology. Perhaps restructuring the chapters would have also allowed for a more cohesive account that limited certain areas' repetitive feel.
I would have encouraged the author to simplify his language to allow for a wider audience, more accessible to his mission of advancing pathology. Perhaps restructuring the chapters would have also allowed for a more cohesive account that limited certain areas' repetitive feel.
cupofbooksreviews's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Jonathan Ball Publishers to review Autopsy: Life in the Trenches with a Forensic Pathologist in Africa by Ryan Blumenthal. I have given this book three out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a very interesting book, like no other I’ve read before.
I’ve definitely learnt a few interesting facts from reading this book, which I hope stick with me for a long time, so I can pass this knowledge onto others, for example, (gruesome detail incoming).. after believing a lot of people when they say that your nails and hair continue growing once you pass, I have found out that it’s actually due to your skin shrinking which makes it appear that your nails and hair are growing, when really it’s the complete opposite reason. Once I read over this part of the book, I instantly shuddered and had a number of moments just like this one over the course of reading this book as well. It’s very fascinating to learn about the human body and understand it differently especially when this isn’t your line of work.
Disturbing, detailed deaths and autopsies with dry humour. I’ve realised you need to be a certain type of person in order to be a forensic pathologist from reading this book, the smells, sights and everything else in between can be pretty hard and challenging to deal with. No matter how interested I am regarding autopsies and what forensic pathologists do, I don’t think I could do that job.
Ryan Blumenthal has been a part of and seen a lot of disturbing events in his life, I have to thank and applaud this man for allowing us to see into a forensic pathologists job and to see how challenging it can be. This book will definitely stay with me for quite a while..
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in forensic pathology and for an audience who aren’t faint-hearted when it comes to descriptions about deaths and autopsies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Medical trauma
elmarie_bassage's review against another edition
dark
informative
slow-paced
0.5
HATED this book. The author's arrogance and judgemental attitude really shines through in the writing. He berates patients for lifestyle related pathologies and treads into an ethically grey area when he guilts a group of young survivors into reliving their trauma after they initially refused, all so he could get published in a medical journal. I found him utterly insufferable. He comes across as condescending to the reader with his explanations of technical terms. The book lacks cohesion and reads like jumbled thoughts he just jotted down on scraps of paper. Where the hell was his editor? He also seems to lack self awareness in the last chapter of the book, where he states doctor should not judge their patients?🤔
ashleyhubbard's review against another edition
I was so excited to read this book because I love forensic pathology and medical memoir-type books.
But almost immediately I was cringing and often. I found Blumenthal to be lacking compassion and empathy for anyone that wasn't "innocent" enough for him to treat.
According to him, he only got in medicine to help the "innocent." Innocent being defined as someone who does everything right -- not a smoker or drinker, someone eats healthy and exercises, and so on.
Yet, the author views himself as a compassionate and caring person. Which is just, honestly, confusing.
In the win column, I did really find the forensic pathology content fascinating but the lack of compassion really ruined it for me. There are plenty of other books on similar topics one could read but as I like to read a diverse range of authors and stories, I was excited to read this one – especially coming from an African perspective.
I think this book could have been handled with a stronger editor (or an editor at all – I'm not sure if there was one). Sometimes, the author rambled too much and sometimes they didn't explain things for the everyday layman.
But almost immediately I was cringing and often. I found Blumenthal to be lacking compassion and empathy for anyone that wasn't "innocent" enough for him to treat.
According to him, he only got in medicine to help the "innocent." Innocent being defined as someone who does everything right -- not a smoker or drinker, someone eats healthy and exercises, and so on.
Yet, the author views himself as a compassionate and caring person. Which is just, honestly, confusing.
In the win column, I did really find the forensic pathology content fascinating but the lack of compassion really ruined it for me. There are plenty of other books on similar topics one could read but as I like to read a diverse range of authors and stories, I was excited to read this one – especially coming from an African perspective.
I think this book could have been handled with a stronger editor (or an editor at all – I'm not sure if there was one). Sometimes, the author rambled too much and sometimes they didn't explain things for the everyday layman.
stephs_books's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book, I did enjoy it but it took a toll on me to read and I presume that’s the whole point, it’s taken me a couple of weeks to finish it which is unusual for me.
The depth gone into this book is astonishing and it’s crazy how different parts of the works are in conducting the same medical examinations.
I was intrigued by this book and I think that’s why I made myself finish it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for authorising this book!
The depth gone into this book is astonishing and it’s crazy how different parts of the works are in conducting the same medical examinations.
I was intrigued by this book and I think that’s why I made myself finish it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for authorising this book!
deathdayparty's review against another edition
3.0
~*~ Thanks to NetGally for the ARC ~*~
I found the first part of the book a bit off putting because he talks about how little pathologists get paid for a few chapters in a row. I think it’s fine to announce it or maybe even have a chapter about it, but multiple off handed comments about it through multiple chapters is a bit much.
The second third of the book is great, and is the reason this got three stars instead of two. It really does talk about all of the unique experiences that a forensic pathologist has in Africa. It sets the scene. Explains how the environment and infrastructure plays a role in a FP’s job. I think the most interesting chapters were about the blow fly / water issue and animals that one might encounter.
The third part of the book read like a Buzzfeed listicle. It wasn’t particularly insightful and kind of took me out of the book. This part really moved away from ‘pathologist in Africa’ to a bunch of quotes that he likes, and then it ends with him complaining about his job being taken over by robots. And that’s it. That’s how he ends the book. It really is a disappointing end to a book I was already lukewarm about.
I would have liked to have had more information of the unique insights that he has as a South African pathologist. I felt like many of the examples he gave were just scratching the surface and then he would move on. That made me feel like I was missing out on general story development. I would have liked more information about his experience with political deaths as he mentions that some pathologists have gone missing from their experience with these. It seems weird to not give a quick summary of South Africa’s political history if you’re going to mention that whole people can go missing if they “misidentify” something about a politician’s death. Seems like a missed opportunity to really set his story apart from other pathologist tales.
All in all, it was fine, but I won’t be recommending it.
I found the first part of the book a bit off putting because he talks about how little pathologists get paid for a few chapters in a row. I think it’s fine to announce it or maybe even have a chapter about it, but multiple off handed comments about it through multiple chapters is a bit much.
The second third of the book is great, and is the reason this got three stars instead of two. It really does talk about all of the unique experiences that a forensic pathologist has in Africa. It sets the scene. Explains how the environment and infrastructure plays a role in a FP’s job. I think the most interesting chapters were about the blow fly / water issue and animals that one might encounter.
The third part of the book read like a Buzzfeed listicle. It wasn’t particularly insightful and kind of took me out of the book. This part really moved away from ‘pathologist in Africa’ to a bunch of quotes that he likes, and then it ends with him complaining about his job being taken over by robots. And that’s it. That’s how he ends the book. It really is a disappointing end to a book I was already lukewarm about.
I would have liked to have had more information of the unique insights that he has as a South African pathologist. I felt like many of the examples he gave were just scratching the surface and then he would move on. That made me feel like I was missing out on general story development. I would have liked more information about his experience with political deaths as he mentions that some pathologists have gone missing from their experience with these. It seems weird to not give a quick summary of South Africa’s political history if you’re going to mention that whole people can go missing if they “misidentify” something about a politician’s death. Seems like a missed opportunity to really set his story apart from other pathologist tales.
All in all, it was fine, but I won’t be recommending it.
blackgoddessreviews's review against another edition
3.0
I received a free e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For me, Autopsy was a super interesting read for the most part. I was fascinated by the realities of working as a forensic pathologist, especially in areas where resources are limited. There were also some really interesting cases, and lots of fun facts (my idea of fun might be a little more macabre than other people, but still.) This book falls somewhere between popular science and a memoir, and to begin with that isn't exactly clear. The first 75% of the book is focused heavily on the ins and outs of being a forensic pathologist, while the last 25% takes on more of a personal reflection. While I am not averse to both being in the same book, I feel like it might have been more successful if these were interwoven more, rather than being in discrete sections.
I think the author has a wonderful ability to cut to the heart (pun intended) of things, which makes for an easy read in many respects. It also means that it was easy to understand what could have been, in other hands, complex biological/medical jargon. The problem, however, is that a lot of the time, the anecdotes about interesting cases 1) were very short, and sometimes felt a bit truncated, and 2) didn't connect to the paragraphs before and after it, which made them feel more like a list. I think that with a bit of editing, these could have flowed a lot better.
On the whole, however, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend to fans of science and true crime.
For me, Autopsy was a super interesting read for the most part. I was fascinated by the realities of working as a forensic pathologist, especially in areas where resources are limited. There were also some really interesting cases, and lots of fun facts (my idea of fun might be a little more macabre than other people, but still.) This book falls somewhere between popular science and a memoir, and to begin with that isn't exactly clear. The first 75% of the book is focused heavily on the ins and outs of being a forensic pathologist, while the last 25% takes on more of a personal reflection. While I am not averse to both being in the same book, I feel like it might have been more successful if these were interwoven more, rather than being in discrete sections.
I think the author has a wonderful ability to cut to the heart (pun intended) of things, which makes for an easy read in many respects. It also means that it was easy to understand what could have been, in other hands, complex biological/medical jargon. The problem, however, is that a lot of the time, the anecdotes about interesting cases 1) were very short, and sometimes felt a bit truncated, and 2) didn't connect to the paragraphs before and after it, which made them feel more like a list. I think that with a bit of editing, these could have flowed a lot better.
On the whole, however, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend to fans of science and true crime.
librariangeorgia's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
I love reading books on forensics and jobs within that area. It just fascinates me - though working in a mortuary is not something i’d fancy doing.
This is such a detailed insight into forensic pathology. It’s not just about the cases but the ins and outs of every little thing that happens when performing an autopsy. It’s so interesting to read about how different and difficult it can be to do this job in Africa - i’ve read about mortuaries in the UK so this was a completely different insight for me!
There’s so many things to be considered before starting an autopsy that I didn’t know about. Like, in cases where the deceased has been exposed to radioactive material, consulting with radiation experts to determine if it’s safe to do an autopsy.
I honestly did not know that INCA (instantaneous neurogenic cardiac arrest) was a thing! Examples of this: a guy playfully tweaking his girlfriend’s neck on the dance floor and she drops dead, a grandmother kissing her grandchild and applying pressure to the child’s neck causing them to die instantly - honestly i’m mind-blown that this can happen.
Something else that I found fascinating is that you can hang yourself/strangle someone with toilet paper!
I just loved this book, so interesting and detailed without feeling like a textbook.
This is such a detailed insight into forensic pathology. It’s not just about the cases but the ins and outs of every little thing that happens when performing an autopsy. It’s so interesting to read about how different and difficult it can be to do this job in Africa - i’ve read about mortuaries in the UK so this was a completely different insight for me!
There’s so many things to be considered before starting an autopsy that I didn’t know about. Like, in cases where the deceased has been exposed to radioactive material, consulting with radiation experts to determine if it’s safe to do an autopsy.
I honestly did not know that INCA (instantaneous neurogenic cardiac arrest) was a thing! Examples of this: a guy playfully tweaking his girlfriend’s neck on the dance floor and she drops dead, a grandmother kissing her grandchild and applying pressure to the child’s neck causing them to die instantly - honestly i’m mind-blown that this can happen.
Something else that I found fascinating is that you can hang yourself/strangle someone with toilet paper!
I just loved this book, so interesting and detailed without feeling like a textbook.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Car accident, Animal death, Gun violence, Murder, Suicide, Rape, Death, Blood, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Medical content, and Self harm
mithilareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
If
you've ever loved that part in a criminal detective show/book where the forensic pathologist looks at a body, checks the temperature and rigor mortis, and ascertains the time of death, this book is for you. Ryan Blumenthal busts popular misconceptions about the field (thermodynamics and rigor mortis are very complex things to ascertain within a 45-min TV show episode). The content is informative, precisely to the point and refreshing. How much ever so refreshing a book about death can be. Major themes include: the process of becoming a forensic pathologist, the procedures to be followed in an autopsy room, the story of how he was attracted to this grim field of science.
"Autopsy" by Ryan Blumenthal has a certain surgical precision to it. The author does not mince words. He writes about the most gruesome cases he has handled with a straight-faced, emotionless clarity. This book is certainly not something you should read at night. What this book lacks in poetic genius, it makes up with cold hard facts. Blumenthal explores the diversity of diseases that abound in Africa, and the various causes of death that he has come across in his career of thousands of autopsies. The chapters are labeled with exactly what is contained in them. For example, "African wildlife deaths" consists just that - and a few lions, crocodiles, black mambas and the seemingly unsuspicious hippopotami. There is no glossing over facts to make them palatable.
This book does have a certain one-dimensional feel to it, and some of the facts in the book may seem incorrect prima facie (but if you think about it / Google it they do make sense / are correct).
Deciding to read this book completely depends on your ability to read through very graphic descriptions of physical trauma. If you have a high tolerance for it, Autopsy is a good shot. (no pun intended)
you've ever loved that part in a criminal detective show/book where the forensic pathologist looks at a body, checks the temperature and rigor mortis, and ascertains the time of death, this book is for you. Ryan Blumenthal busts popular misconceptions about the field (thermodynamics and rigor mortis are very complex things to ascertain within a 45-min TV show episode). The content is informative, precisely to the point and refreshing. How much ever so refreshing a book about death can be. Major themes include: the process of becoming a forensic pathologist, the procedures to be followed in an autopsy room, the story of how he was attracted to this grim field of science.
"Autopsy" by Ryan Blumenthal has a certain surgical precision to it. The author does not mince words. He writes about the most gruesome cases he has handled with a straight-faced, emotionless clarity. This book is certainly not something you should read at night. What this book lacks in poetic genius, it makes up with cold hard facts. Blumenthal explores the diversity of diseases that abound in Africa, and the various causes of death that he has come across in his career of thousands of autopsies. The chapters are labeled with exactly what is contained in them. For example, "African wildlife deaths" consists just that - and a few lions, crocodiles, black mambas and the seemingly unsuspicious hippopotami. There is no glossing over facts to make them palatable.
This book does have a certain one-dimensional feel to it, and some of the facts in the book may seem incorrect prima facie (but if you think about it / Google it they do make sense / are correct).
Deciding to read this book completely depends on your ability to read through very graphic descriptions of physical trauma. If you have a high tolerance for it, Autopsy is a good shot. (no pun intended)