Really enjoyed this!

A friend bought me this as a physical book during lockdown but I didn't have the mental capacity to get very far reading for a long long time (still don't really). I revisited this recently as an audiobook and got through it so quickly and really recommend it. Dame Sue's voice is wonderful and she is a natural storyteller, she brings such empathy to the topic, I could listen to her talk about her work for another few books! I find the lives and stories of pathologists fascinating, also thoroughly enjoyed the books by Richard Shepherd and also 'When the dogs don't bark' by Angela Gallop if you're interested in this sort of book

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A sympathetic, empathetic, insightful and thorough exploration

Thank you Sue Black for the depth of your knowledge, expertise and, this extraordinary book, which I came across while writing something that required me to research what can be detected from historic human remains, where death had likely occurred in suspicious circumstances.

It has been an educational experience and a humbling one to listen to you narrating the incredible work you have done over the years.

What balances this book is your own familial experiences of losing loved ones and what they taught you towards and following their respective deaths.

I also found the deep respect you have for those who bequeathed their bodies to your Anatomy Department at Dundee University to be a blessing, as I had not known how the dead are treated once they fulfil their final wish by embarking on their role in your dissection room. I hope all those who follow in your footsteps will show the same integrity, humanity and care as you do.

Your humour and of those you met along the way has also made this subject an endearing read.

Some of the stories you have shared were difficult to hear, to learn of the suffering at a far deeper level than just hearing it on the news, (as you say too much of that causes a degree of desensitisation) especially those who you discuss during your time in Kosovo, which was utterly heartbreaking but also highlighted how important your work is (especially for someone like the gentleman, whose family were wiped out due to the criminal atrocities there, who had the foresight to preserve what was left of them to obtain answers later on).

I am certain that those your findings touched, brought a level of support and easing of the pain of not knowing, at a time when life was unbearable, bringing them the truth in as sensitive way as possible - which you demonstrate throughout - despite the obvious need to remain “detached” so you are able to carry out your work.

I love that you refer to Death as “She” - it’s comforting, like the mother who greets us at our births, she resembles this same mother, accompanying us on our journey through dying, when our time to depart this world arrives. This moving image you have created removes so much of the fear and brings a sense of calm and acceptance for what each and every one of us will one day experience.

I am also now giving bequeathing some thought! Tho I’m not quite there with any decisions!

Thank you!

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Brilliant

Beautifully written and performed.
Gives a lot of insight and food for thought.

I definitely recommend this book.

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Incredible.

An insight into the World of this amazing, courageous, dignified and humanitarian lady. Funny, distressing, toe curling ET Al.
I couldn't stop listening to this lady's tale.....

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very interesting topic.

No pulling punches, no romanticised drivel, just clear facts of the job at hand. Well put together and very listenable. Not for the ostriches who run away from death.

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A fantastic listen!

This seemed to differ from that of others in that it was narrated by the author who is most definitely Scottish, which made it all for the better.

The author has led an immensely interesting and challenging career which is described in detail. what adds to this for me is the balance brought by talking of personal events and family life, without which this could be a heavy subject.
A memorable book, thanks.

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Fantastic book

I laughed, I cried, I was provoked to think about life and death, and how I would like my own life to end. Great book, highly recommended.

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Fascinating!

Sue Black’s honesty combined with wit adds warmth to her well written work concerning the nature of human life and death.
This is a book to be read and re-read in my particular library.

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Wanted something different and was not disappointed

When I chose to listen to this book I was driven by the desire to just “listen to something different” - my usual stuff being Historical fiction or spy thrillers.

I was not disappointed.

Sue Blacks narration of her own story is excellent - the tone of her voice is hypnotic and I wish that all my University lectures had sounded like her - if so maybe I would have listened more.

The book is funny, interesting and in parts incredibly sad as the author talks of her experiences in Kosovo, which I have to say brought a tear to my eye.

Her take on death has also enlightened the way I will now look at it. As a person who has not always recognised or have been proud of my own achievements in life, I found this book helped me to start to put things into perspective more and hopefully will encourage me to embrace these and enjoy what life has given me.

A really excellent read/listen.
Thank you Sue. 😊

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Reassuring and thoroughly humane

Sue Black has effected a miracle here in this relatively brief survey of every aspect of death that might confuse or disturb people. Each chapter covers one aspect of her unique professional experience in a manner that is logical, clear but thoroughly humane and emotionally honest: for once, her use of the first person in her beautiful writing, allows her humour, balance and vulnerability to shine through whereas in so many instances this stance can feel like an intrusive and irrelevant distraction from taking a subject in: In the words of the ‘Oaky Coaky,’ Sue puts ‘Her whole self in!’

It is a real privilege to be invited so openly to observe the workings of such a high achieving professional; clearly a path-finder with a generous and living acknowledgement of the parts played by those around her.

This is a book that should be nominated for any prize in non-fiction and I shall be forever grateful to have had the subject of death in all its manifestations so clearly and ably de-mystified. The choice of Sue herself to read her text adds a further dimension of humanity to this wonderful work.

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