This Is Going To Hurt

★★★★★

Adam Kay is a comedian who writes for TV and films – but he was once a junior doctor toiling for the NHS in obstetrics and gynaecology, and thereby hangs a tale. The book is Kay’s diary of his six years on the wards of hospitals and takes us from his first house officer post to senior registrar, via interesting things removed from interesting places and blood-pressure-raising emergencies.

Kay is a comic, and the book is funny – laughout-loud in places – but if you or someone close is due to give birth any time soon, maybe leave it on the shelf for a bit.