I got this softcover from an online seller. [Am using one of the scannable QR-code labels in hopes that it will encourage journal entries.] It's about a woman who's being sued for medical negligence, with her growing anxiety about her medical practice affecting her family life as well as her job.

The story's told in third-person present tense, which I don't necessarily mind but which I find lends an air of distance. In this case the main character, Dr. Anna McBride, is a very uncomfortable one to spend time with, so the distance helps a little. The situation re the lawsuit comes up immediately, as it's already affected the way she sees her work - she finds herself viewing every interaction with patients through the eyes of lawyers rather than doctors, and the strain's already telling:

"A negligence suit. She wears one now: a cheap suit that chafes and itches, that is not easily removed, even after hours. A suit of sackcloth and ashes. Would that her penance be only this, but she knows there is more to come."

The case in question involves a many-months' delay in diagnosing bone cancer in a young man, though early on we don't know the outcome of the delay. (We do learn that Anna may be the victim of a missed diagnosis herself: she has advanced periodontic disease that her previous dentist failed to mention. It's rare that reading a suspense novel made me want to get up and floss {wry grin}.)

The tale unfolds as the days and weeks pass, leading up to the mediation meeting with the patient's legal team - and Anna's attempts to maintain as much normality as possible come up against her own introspection, memories of problematic points in her past, and concerns about the future. Indeed, the story seems to be a study in guilt, from large-scale concerns to minutiae - and a very effective one it is... though I have to say that the shocking (though still understated) crisis near the end, which alters the way Anna sees herself and her life, felt a bit pat to me.

I can't say I enjoyed spending time in Anna's head, but the writing definitely was effective and memorable.

I'm sending this to BCer J4shaw for the US/Canada wishlist-tag game. Enjoy!

*** Released for the 2020 D for December challenge. ***

Received in Idaho for the USA & Canada Wishlist Tag Game.
Thank so much for Tagging me!

My Review - read January 2021
This one was an unassuming creeper. I read a couple of pages before bed a couple of nights and then finished it off in one sitting and it surprised me how much it actually packed a punch. The prose is thoughtful and considered, while also raw, observant and powerful.

Sent to the winner of the 2021 Australian Literature Sweepstakes.

Received today thank you! Wow that was fast! Not sure how this will go with me - my wife is the victim of a 'Medical Accident' and it has really affected our lives unfortunately. Interesting to read your reviews - it will sit on Mt TBR for a bit before I try and read it. The writing sounds interesting. Thank you :D

Edited 7 April 2021: Not for me unfortunately. Saving for a sweep winner :D

Heading to the Winner of the Annual Clearance Sweep - I hope you enjoy this interesting sounding but difficult for me book dear winner :D

Thank you for this book! :)

I read it almost in one go.
It's a powerful and sad story. I felt bad of course for the patient, but also for the doctor, who loses everything: her self-confidence, her ability to work, her husband...

In the surprise parcel for Bibounine! :-)

"A la bonne heure, 
Ami lecteur ! 
Ce livre n'est pas perdu ! 
Il guettait votre venue, 
Et rêvait d'être lu... 
Est-ce vous l'heureux élu ? 
Ce livre voyageur 
Cherche de nouveaux lecteurs. 
Quand vous l'aurez fini, 
Donnez-le à vos amis, 
Offrez-le à un passant, 
Ou déposez-le sur un banc..."

En espérant qu'il vous apporte un moment de détente, un dépaysement forgé au fil de ses voyages.

Découvrez le... ou pas mais ne l'oubliez pas sur une étagère : il a besoin de prendre l'air !

Merci, bonne lecture et bienvenu dans le monde du bookcrossing !