"A sensitive, honest, unsentimental and, yes, brave piece of writing that makes for compulsive reading" -- NIGELLA LAWSON "A brilliant, compelling account of what it is like to spend your days caring for patients "on the fringe of existence" ... A hugely life-affirming book. In between the many grim situations encountered on a daily basis, Abbey shows us moments of both joy and deep emotional connection" -- Kathryn Hughes * Mail on Sunday * "Heartfelt, honest, illuminating and wise - a wonderful book that I would urge everyone to read" -- Julia Samuel, author of GRIEF WORKS "A powerful glimpse into the high stakes of intensive care ...Above all this book is insightful about the grey areas where a doctor must go ... Some readers may be wearying of doctor memoirs. This one ... has a freshness and a sincerity that moved me. She is a gifted writer ... honest, compassionate, sensitive... [and] the doctor we would crave in our greatest need" -- Melanie Reid * The Times * "A thoughtful and necessary book about a world all of us might inhabit at some point in our lives"