Hi everyone! How are you all? Today is Friday, and it’s time for another festively themed book review. Today, I am reviewing Adam Kay’s ‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas.
‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas was initially published in 2019 and is 119 pages long.
The Plot
The book follows the lives of hospital staff working the night shift over Christmas, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at hospital life during one of the busiest times of the year.
Characters
Adam Kay
Adam Kay himself is the main character of the book. As a former junior doctor, Kay provides a unique view of all the challenges and triumphs of working in healthcare. His witty humour and candid storytelling make him a relatable and endearing protagonist.
Throughout the book, we see his dedication to his patients and his struggles with long hours and difficult decisions. As he navigates through difficult situations and heartwarming moments, Adam guides readers as they explore the world of healthcare.
Writing Style
Adam Kay’s style is witty, conversational, and brutally honest, drawing you in from the first word. As with his previous critically acclaimed memoir, This is Going to Hurt, in ‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas, Kay writes in a diary format and shares heart-warming, heart-wrenching and sometimes hilarious stories from his time working in the NHS during Christmas, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of his time in the healthcare sector.
Along with being highly entertaining, the book is also informative, with descriptions, explanations for medical jargon, and a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in hospitals between the staff.
‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas is a funny book (if a little gruesome at times), and Kay’s sense of sarcasm comes across wonderfully. However, amidst the comedy, there are also moments of poignancy that remind you of the sacrifices made by our healthcare professionals during the holiday season and the toll it takes on their lives. We should all spare them a moment of thought on ‘the day’, and I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing them all a happy and healthy festive period.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed Adam’s last offering, This Is Going to Hurt (I even enjoyed the TV series adapted from it), so I was thrilled to discover this little follow-up.
Overall, ‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas is a delightful read, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. With its blend of humour and humanity surrounding Christmas shifts in hospitals, this book will doubtlessly be intriguing to those who love a good medical drama; only the dramas (and triumphs) in the book are real.
I am giving ‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas a 9/10.
Have you read this or the previous instalment of Kay’s memoir? What did you think?
As always, thank you for stopping by to read my review. It means a lot!
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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