Dr Richard Shepherd lifted the lid on life as a pathologist in Unnatural Causes
October's meeting dealt with some pretty dark subject matter, as members discussed pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd's memoir Unnatural Causes.
Shepherd is one of the country's leading pathologists and has worked on hundreds of cases, ranging from the homeless to the famous (and infamous).
Members were largely drawn in by the fascinating (if often grim) details of Shepherd's work. It brought back memories for some of the well-known tragedies and cases he worked on, and some fresh insight into them. He did manage to reveal details while still emphasising the respect he had for the bodies he worked on, and the grieving relatives left behind.
It did seem at times like a greatest hits of pathology, but it was remarkable how often Shepherd had played a part in events from disasters to high profile deaths. Members agreed he did manage to convey the pressures of the job, while also revealing why it held a fascination for him.
There was some discussion about the more personal sides of the memoir, as Shepherd also dissected his dysfunctional marriage, and gradual mental collapse as the job took its toll. Some members found that less compelling than the case histories, but others appreciated the insight into the personal as well as the professional. There was also appreciation for the insights Shepherd gave into mortality and the functions of the body after death.
Most agreed this was not a book they would necessarily have chosen to read, but felt it did provide some surprising insights, without becoming too macabre. Some felt they would like to read more from him, and perhaps catch him on his current tour of theatres. Despite the subject matter, most members found the book more enlightening than depressing.
Shepherd is one of the country's leading pathologists and has worked on hundreds of cases, ranging from the homeless to the famous (and infamous).
Members were largely drawn in by the fascinating (if often grim) details of Shepherd's work. It brought back memories for some of the well-known tragedies and cases he worked on, and some fresh insight into them. He did manage to reveal details while still emphasising the respect he had for the bodies he worked on, and the grieving relatives left behind.
It did seem at times like a greatest hits of pathology, but it was remarkable how often Shepherd had played a part in events from disasters to high profile deaths. Members agreed he did manage to convey the pressures of the job, while also revealing why it held a fascination for him.
There was some discussion about the more personal sides of the memoir, as Shepherd also dissected his dysfunctional marriage, and gradual mental collapse as the job took its toll. Some members found that less compelling than the case histories, but others appreciated the insight into the personal as well as the professional. There was also appreciation for the insights Shepherd gave into mortality and the functions of the body after death.
Most agreed this was not a book they would necessarily have chosen to read, but felt it did provide some surprising insights, without becoming too macabre. Some felt they would like to read more from him, and perhaps catch him on his current tour of theatres. Despite the subject matter, most members found the book more enlightening than depressing.
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