Book Review: 'Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

Having listened to the audiobook for Kay’s amazing account of life as a junior doctor, This Is Going To Hurt, earlier in the year, I was very much excited to read this little festive book in the run-up to Christmas.

“Full marks to the anaesthetist wearing a badge that says, “He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake.”
Kay is simply hilarious. He perfectly combines his sense of humour with his compassionate side as he recounts the different Christmasses he has spent working in hospitals. Some entries are heartbreaking and incredibly sad, whereas others lighten the tone and had me in stitches of laughter! Who knew people stuck so many strange things in their orifices?! And there’s cute little hospital-themed festive illustrations dotted throughout, which I loved.

My only complaint is that it’s SO short. I understand Kay would be quite limited in terms of how many Christmas-related stories he has to tell, but it’s so easy to race through in about 2 hours. And it just left me wanting more.

Overall, this really reinforces how much we should appreciate the NHS and the staff who work their asses off every single day, not just at Christmas (my mum included). I love how passionate Kay is on this topic!

This would be a great stocking filler for those who work within healthcare - or just anyone who likes to laugh really! Absolutely hilarious yet poignant.

Trigger warnings for miscarriage, abortion. 4 stars.

Johann
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