Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

A collection of anecdotes set in a London obstetrics ward, specifically around the festive period. It is written by a former junior doctor and shows the type of cases he had to come up against.

Some of the stories last a page or two and explain the the usual and unusual processes of a busy working hospital. Other parts a little more than a couple of sentences. It is organised in a diary format with dates ranging from the beginning of December (when festivities traditionally start) to five years later when he no longer works at Christmas as a doctor.

The short book is definitely aimed at the humour section, and the collection of stories are of the funny or absurd with two or three exceptions. These are harrowing but serve to keep the perspective of what a doctor faces. It's not an easy job and working Christmas day is not the worst thing a doctor has to deal with.

Sometimes the humour aspect strains as Kay grapples for the funniest similes, but overall this is a lighthearted look at the medical profession at Christmas time and well worth a read. Its short length means anyone can fit it in between shopping sprees or peeling the masses of potatoes required for the festivity fun.

Published by Picador on 17 October 2019.