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Slice Girls
When Dr Joan Arakkal chooses to specialise in orthopaedics while training in India, a field traditionally occupied by men, she slots into the world of bones with relative ease.
But when her career takes her to the UK, and then Australia, she encounters the ‘bonemen’ – a boy’s club whose members are easily identified in the hospital corridors by their loud voices and self-assured swagger, who wield a stranglehold on orthopaedics.
Joan is totally unprepared for the obstacles and prejudices she encounters – but the tables are turned when she suffers a health scare of her own, which ultimately gives her the perspective she needs to speak and fight without fear.
A provocative reflection on the discrimination and sexism entrenched in the surgical community, and particularly the world of orthopaedics, Slice Girls shines light on a surgical path that is made needlessly challenging for women, and finds that while women are ready for surgery, it forces the question: is surgery ready for women?
But when her career takes her to the UK, and then Australia, she encounters the ‘bonemen’ – a boy’s club whose members are easily identified in the hospital corridors by their loud voices and self-assured swagger, who wield a stranglehold on orthopaedics.
Joan is totally unprepared for the obstacles and prejudices she encounters – but the tables are turned when she suffers a health scare of her own, which ultimately gives her the perspective she needs to speak and fight without fear.
A provocative reflection on the discrimination and sexism entrenched in the surgical community, and particularly the world of orthopaedics, Slice Girls shines light on a surgical path that is made needlessly challenging for women, and finds that while women are ready for surgery, it forces the question: is surgery ready for women?
239 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 23, 2019
REVIEW #SliceGirls by #JoanArakkal is a memoir by Dr Joan Arakkal, an Indian-born orthopaedic surgeon. Arakkal starts her training in India before moving to Australia, where she encounters the “bonemen”, a notoriously exclusive boys’ club with a stranglehold over the orthopaedics industry. No matter her training, qualifications or feedback, her every attempt at entering orthopaedics in Australia is thwarted because she is not “one of them”. Arakkal tells of her struggles to fit in, the racism and sexism she faced on a daily basis, and how, when diagnosed with breast cancer, she found the strength to fight back.
I wanted to love this book. It’s been compared to Eggshell Skull, one of my absolute faves of last year (and probably ever!). But where Bri Lee’s memoir was rousing, inspiring, and full of well researched facts, I found Slice Girls to be a little slow and lacking in depth. The writing was choppy, and felt more like a series of anecdotes which meandered towards a conclusion than a comprehensive narrative. And maybe it’s because I’m a lawyer, but I couldn’t get past the outcome of her court case– how is it possible that, given the evidence, it ended the way it did?
But I did love how she weaved in stories from her childhood as well as myth, religion, and local history. The discriminatory treatment she suffers at the hands of a supposedly impartial medical body had me fuming, and her account of the way that orthopaedic surgeons hoard patients, causing longer wait times and expensive surgeries, had me horrified (and really hoping I never need orthopaedic surgery!). My heart ached at the thought of her, and many others, unable to do the work she loves, and, by all accounts, is very good at, because of old-fashioned and archaic attitudes. I really hope that this book can spark some much needed change.
Overall, this was an interesting and eye-opening read. I wonder if I enjoyed Eggshell Skull more because I’m a lawyer and I could identify with Bri’s story. Anyone with a medical background read this one? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m still loving memoirs at the moment and would love to hear your fave! Let me know
Thank you @venturapress_ for my free advance copy
I wanted to love this book. It’s been compared to Eggshell Skull, one of my absolute faves of last year (and probably ever!). But where Bri Lee’s memoir was rousing, inspiring, and full of well researched facts, I found Slice Girls to be a little slow and lacking in depth. The writing was choppy, and felt more like a series of anecdotes which meandered towards a conclusion than a comprehensive narrative. And maybe it’s because I’m a lawyer, but I couldn’t get past the outcome of her court case– how is it possible that, given the evidence, it ended the way it did?
But I did love how she weaved in stories from her childhood as well as myth, religion, and local history. The discriminatory treatment she suffers at the hands of a supposedly impartial medical body had me fuming, and her account of the way that orthopaedic surgeons hoard patients, causing longer wait times and expensive surgeries, had me horrified (and really hoping I never need orthopaedic surgery!). My heart ached at the thought of her, and many others, unable to do the work she loves, and, by all accounts, is very good at, because of old-fashioned and archaic attitudes. I really hope that this book can spark some much needed change.
Overall, this was an interesting and eye-opening read. I wonder if I enjoyed Eggshell Skull more because I’m a lawyer and I could identify with Bri’s story. Anyone with a medical background read this one? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m still loving memoirs at the moment and would love to hear your fave! Let me know
Thank you @venturapress_ for my free advance copy
June 2, 2019
Review copy provided by Ventura Press, all thoughts are my own.
This was definitely such a fascinating read! I could hardly put it down, finding myself engaged in Joan Arakkal’s altogether profound and fascinating narrative – from when she was recalling her childhood days in India, to the moment when she realised she wanted to be a Doctor, to the hardships that were growing up in India at that time (yet, fondly remembering her and her friends endless love for Enid Blyton and her stories), to journeying to the United Kingdom and going further into the medical field there, to settling in Perth, Australia, with her husband and 2 children, it was all just such an intimate journey and just flew along really fast, but was so detailed! I felt like I was sitting down with the author herself and that she was opening up to me about her life and everything that she had gone through!
The chapters were rather short too, in no way at all does Joan Arakkal sugarcoat her life, she explains how she has her struggles when trying to find her feet as an hand Doctor in Australia, despite having been rather prestigious internationally – she definitely has to work her way up once again! Coupled with juggling Motherhood, firstly to daughter Sonia, then to a young son, she navigates taking care of her children and maintaining her marriage and her career, so beautifully! As I was reading about Joan Arakkal’s family, how proud she was, seeing her daughter dance effortlessly the dance of Shiva, to her younger voice of so fondly remembering how her Father would ignore what would have been against social norms in India during her childhood and bringing her Mother cups of coffee when she was studying for tests, it was just wonderful that this man was such a backbone to young Joan and her family, as really are people that have made their mark on Joan, as a child (when on a bus, seeing someone unfortunately fall injured, where the gentleman who was sitting next to her on said bus asked her what she wants to be when she grew up, to which she of course replies ‘a Doctor.’), to the people she meets whilst working in the UK and Australia that help her in her work and personal life, this was just such a refreshing memoir!
A big thank you once more to Ventura Press for providing me with a review copy of Slice Girls.
This was definitely such a fascinating read! I could hardly put it down, finding myself engaged in Joan Arakkal’s altogether profound and fascinating narrative – from when she was recalling her childhood days in India, to the moment when she realised she wanted to be a Doctor, to the hardships that were growing up in India at that time (yet, fondly remembering her and her friends endless love for Enid Blyton and her stories), to journeying to the United Kingdom and going further into the medical field there, to settling in Perth, Australia, with her husband and 2 children, it was all just such an intimate journey and just flew along really fast, but was so detailed! I felt like I was sitting down with the author herself and that she was opening up to me about her life and everything that she had gone through!
The chapters were rather short too, in no way at all does Joan Arakkal sugarcoat her life, she explains how she has her struggles when trying to find her feet as an hand Doctor in Australia, despite having been rather prestigious internationally – she definitely has to work her way up once again! Coupled with juggling Motherhood, firstly to daughter Sonia, then to a young son, she navigates taking care of her children and maintaining her marriage and her career, so beautifully! As I was reading about Joan Arakkal’s family, how proud she was, seeing her daughter dance effortlessly the dance of Shiva, to her younger voice of so fondly remembering how her Father would ignore what would have been against social norms in India during her childhood and bringing her Mother cups of coffee when she was studying for tests, it was just wonderful that this man was such a backbone to young Joan and her family, as really are people that have made their mark on Joan, as a child (when on a bus, seeing someone unfortunately fall injured, where the gentleman who was sitting next to her on said bus asked her what she wants to be when she grew up, to which she of course replies ‘a Doctor.’), to the people she meets whilst working in the UK and Australia that help her in her work and personal life, this was just such a refreshing memoir!
A big thank you once more to Ventura Press for providing me with a review copy of Slice Girls.
June 6, 2019
Slice Girls is a brilliant book written by a brilliant women about the embedded racism and sexism in one of the worlds most elite professions. Part memoir, part scathing critique of the mafia like medical boards that pull all the strings.
I simply loved spending time in Joan Arakkal’s world. Learning about her childhood, awed by her passions and dedication to medicine and drawing parallels with her love of Australian trees.
I thoroughly enjoyed Arakkal’s insights into the state of the public healthcare system. This system is toasted as one of the best in world and yet behind the scenes there are some questionable practices. Some readers may find the choppy writing style, jumping from one point to the next, quite jarring. But I think it mimics the natural progression of thought. Arakkal has a lot to say and in the end it links together to form a beautiful constructed argument. This is a must read.
I was sent this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I simply loved spending time in Joan Arakkal’s world. Learning about her childhood, awed by her passions and dedication to medicine and drawing parallels with her love of Australian trees.
I thoroughly enjoyed Arakkal’s insights into the state of the public healthcare system. This system is toasted as one of the best in world and yet behind the scenes there are some questionable practices. Some readers may find the choppy writing style, jumping from one point to the next, quite jarring. But I think it mimics the natural progression of thought. Arakkal has a lot to say and in the end it links together to form a beautiful constructed argument. This is a must read.
I was sent this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 16, 2019
I found this book to be disappointing, both as a reader and as a member of the medical profession. The style is a bit confusing - at times it reads like narrative non-fiction, whilst the ending of the book reads like an Op-Ed by someone with a chip on her shoulder. The author is scathing of the Orthopaedic fraternity, and comes across bitter, cynical, and defeated. It was missing the uplifting ending I hoped it would reach. For a memoir, it is quite impersonal. Even moments like getting married to her husband are over and done with in one and a half paragraphs. Indeed the book moves quickly and is rather jumpy and choppy. There are some lovely moments, and it is an important book that highlights some of the downfalls of the medical profession, but overall it left me dissatisfied.
August 5, 2019
I'm disappointed with this book and slightly shocked. Shocked, not because of the difficulties of being a female in the male dominated area of orthopaedics, which I unfortunately expected anyway; but more shocked with probably the way this book is written by Arakkal, which seemed like a complete vent from her of the medical profession in Australia and orthopaedic specialists in particular. The entire orthopaedic profession is painted as ego driven, money grabbing robbers who just have patients on conveyor belts so surgeons can justify driving their Porsches. I am not sure this is true of the entire industry as I have met several orthopaedic specialists who aren't like this at all. The whole book is also very one sided. It's not told why exactly she got questioned by the Medical Board or had her registration revoked, it's not told how she compared to many others also seeking a place in the very, very limited sub-specialty of hand surgery. I could only raise my eyebrows when, as a doctor trying to get consultants on side to get her into a training position, she would elaborate on the multiple instances where she would talk back at comments made by surgeons or anaesthetists; however crude these comments could be; and made it sound like she has some last word or victory. Instead she came across a slightly stupid and smug. It wouldn't had helped her get a training position at all. Sadly, and being female myself, I don't think this book has done any good at highlighting the struggles of women in medicine (or any other male dominated industry).
August 7, 2021
This book took me a long time to read. I had to put it down and pick it back up again.
As a registered nurse and an Australian, I found some of the book very hard to read indeed. Does it surprise me that Dr Arakkal found orthopaedic surgeons a bit of an old boys club and closed to women, especially those from other countries? That would be no to the first part and yes to the second. If it wasn't for foreign born doctors, I think the Australian medical system would be in a LOT of trouble, and I don't think that is at the root of the problem. No doubt, some surgeons ARE protecting their income streams and I do think some of them charge too much, but I do wonder if some of the author's problems are of her own making as well? I was very sad for her though that she couldn't pursue her dreams. However, I got a little tired of her knocking Australia so often, considering that she lives here and her children are growing up here too. It is also Australia's medical system that saved her life - not sure that she would still be here if she had gone through the Indian system, to be honest.
All in all, this was a really mixed book. I enjoyed the stories about traditional Indian culture very much and how beliefs were such a big part of doctors and the way they treated their patients. I was appalled at the corruption both in hospitals and also when trying to gain admittance to surgical programs in India. Both countries have their issues, no doubt. I know a lot of surgeons and some of them ARE arrogant and money centric. Most of them though, work very, very hard and earn every cent they charge. They are on-call on weekends, nights, holidays etc etc. They have to be on their A game, all the time. Lots of pressure there.
Anyway, as a snapshot of the differences between Indian medical systems and those in Australia, it was interesting. The writing was quite choppy though. I didn't understand the legal battle that the author waged at all, it just didn't make sense. I also didn't understand how she was working for free at one point, is that even legal? Yikes. I wish her nothing but the best for the future and hope that she finds some contentment in straddling the line that all migrants have to.
3 stars from me.
As a registered nurse and an Australian, I found some of the book very hard to read indeed. Does it surprise me that Dr Arakkal found orthopaedic surgeons a bit of an old boys club and closed to women, especially those from other countries? That would be no to the first part and yes to the second. If it wasn't for foreign born doctors, I think the Australian medical system would be in a LOT of trouble, and I don't think that is at the root of the problem. No doubt, some surgeons ARE protecting their income streams and I do think some of them charge too much, but I do wonder if some of the author's problems are of her own making as well? I was very sad for her though that she couldn't pursue her dreams. However, I got a little tired of her knocking Australia so often, considering that she lives here and her children are growing up here too. It is also Australia's medical system that saved her life - not sure that she would still be here if she had gone through the Indian system, to be honest.
All in all, this was a really mixed book. I enjoyed the stories about traditional Indian culture very much and how beliefs were such a big part of doctors and the way they treated their patients. I was appalled at the corruption both in hospitals and also when trying to gain admittance to surgical programs in India. Both countries have their issues, no doubt. I know a lot of surgeons and some of them ARE arrogant and money centric. Most of them though, work very, very hard and earn every cent they charge. They are on-call on weekends, nights, holidays etc etc. They have to be on their A game, all the time. Lots of pressure there.
Anyway, as a snapshot of the differences between Indian medical systems and those in Australia, it was interesting. The writing was quite choppy though. I didn't understand the legal battle that the author waged at all, it just didn't make sense. I also didn't understand how she was working for free at one point, is that even legal? Yikes. I wish her nothing but the best for the future and hope that she finds some contentment in straddling the line that all migrants have to.
3 stars from me.
May 25, 2023
Found so many things I could relate to but so many things I couldn't either.
Dr. Arakkal talks about how easy-going and beautiful her post-graduation in orthopaedics in India was but since I am currently doing the same course in India in a neighbouring state, I beg to differ. Post-graduation, especially as a female orthopaedician is NOT AT ALL rosy and all rainbows as she makes it out to be. I am also the first female to take up the same speciality as her in a teaching hospital which was established 85 years ago and the hardships I had to face made me have to see a therapist within 3 months. I am not saying that what she's saying is untrue, but there are passages where she generalises her experience and writes how good her time in India was as compared to Australia and I feel such a generalisation is wrong as I have faced sexism in many different circumstances in many different hospitals.
But in a completely different vein (excuse the pun), she also rightly quotes many male orthopaedicians and I can say that I have heard *almost* the same exact words as well. And her observations in many other aspects of public healthcare was eye-opening and her advice to budding orthopaedicians can be very inspiring and adaptive to other professions as well.
Dr. Arakkal talks about how easy-going and beautiful her post-graduation in orthopaedics in India was but since I am currently doing the same course in India in a neighbouring state, I beg to differ. Post-graduation, especially as a female orthopaedician is NOT AT ALL rosy and all rainbows as she makes it out to be. I am also the first female to take up the same speciality as her in a teaching hospital which was established 85 years ago and the hardships I had to face made me have to see a therapist within 3 months. I am not saying that what she's saying is untrue, but there are passages where she generalises her experience and writes how good her time in India was as compared to Australia and I feel such a generalisation is wrong as I have faced sexism in many different circumstances in many different hospitals.
But in a completely different vein (excuse the pun), she also rightly quotes many male orthopaedicians and I can say that I have heard *almost* the same exact words as well. And her observations in many other aspects of public healthcare was eye-opening and her advice to budding orthopaedicians can be very inspiring and adaptive to other professions as well.
May 28, 2019
I enjoyed this autobiography, which focuses on the author's professional career and her frustrating battles to be recognised in her chosen field. Her story provides insights into the 'closed shop' of orthopaedic surgery in Australia. While she is (understandably) presenting only her side of the story, her case raises some serious questions about the power of professional associations to affect the career of a passionate and skilled surgeon.
The writing is clear and easy to read, if slightly repetitive at times. The short chapters moved back and forth across the author's life, relating her past memories to her more contemporary experiences. She captures the sensory side of her experiences well, demonstrating how taste, smell and other senses contribute to the recollection past events.
I picked this up on impulse from the 'Quick Picks' table at my local library, and am pleased that I did. An interesting and enjoyable read.
The writing is clear and easy to read, if slightly repetitive at times. The short chapters moved back and forth across the author's life, relating her past memories to her more contemporary experiences. She captures the sensory side of her experiences well, demonstrating how taste, smell and other senses contribute to the recollection past events.
I picked this up on impulse from the 'Quick Picks' table at my local library, and am pleased that I did. An interesting and enjoyable read.
March 13, 2023
As a Practice Manager in Perth and someone that has worked with and around doctors for almost 19 years, this seemed like a must read. I literally could not wait to start it. I read until about page 180 at which point it was prompty chucked in the garbage (where it belonged).
It was interesting at first, but the deeper I got into the book, the more she whinged and whined about her collegues. She seemed to say that all doctors are money grabbers that take advange of Medicare and the Private Funds. I can say honestly and whole heartedly, this is simply not true. I have met a few that only care about the bottom dollar, but most are hardworking people that give up the very best years of there lives for their patients. I see it every day with my own two eyes.
A bit of a whinge can be forgiven, but she would not let up, it was jab after jab.
Would not recommend and a perfect example of "not do believe everything you hear".
It was interesting at first, but the deeper I got into the book, the more she whinged and whined about her collegues. She seemed to say that all doctors are money grabbers that take advange of Medicare and the Private Funds. I can say honestly and whole heartedly, this is simply not true. I have met a few that only care about the bottom dollar, but most are hardworking people that give up the very best years of there lives for their patients. I see it every day with my own two eyes.
A bit of a whinge can be forgiven, but she would not let up, it was jab after jab.
Would not recommend and a perfect example of "not do believe everything you hear".
July 29, 2019
I am in a medical profession and I come from the same state of India as Joan ,so could relate to it very very well.
The book got me hooked straightaway and thoroughly enjoyed her language and the sensitive portrayal of her many difficult situations in life .
I really enjoyed how she appreciates both the indian and Australian culture and believes both place is beautiful in its own way especially the description of the paperbark tree and how the touch soothes her heart .
She gives a good insight into the indian arranged marriage system which is looked at from a very different perspective abroad , along with her struggle in the boys club.
I sincerely hope you write more Joan and wish you all the very best !!
The book got me hooked straightaway and thoroughly enjoyed her language and the sensitive portrayal of her many difficult situations in life .
I really enjoyed how she appreciates both the indian and Australian culture and believes both place is beautiful in its own way especially the description of the paperbark tree and how the touch soothes her heart .
She gives a good insight into the indian arranged marriage system which is looked at from a very different perspective abroad , along with her struggle in the boys club.
I sincerely hope you write more Joan and wish you all the very best !!
November 3, 2021
What an incredible life Dr Arakkal has lived, and put so eloquently. The parallels she makes between her life in India and Australia are a breath of fresh air and needed insight into the myopic world of scientific professions, medicine by far the least. That is an immense sense of pride this book invokes from reading of Dr Arakkal's true dedication and quality approach to not only the practicality, but the ethics of orthopedic surgery. This book is highly recommended for those wanting an honest insight into the realities of working in the medical profession. Her book will continue to inspire and serve as a powerful voice for both insiders and outsiders not only on the field of orthopedic surgery, but other historically non-inclusive professions and workplaces alike.
February 13, 2019
Joan Arakkal is an extraordinary woman. She was born in India, admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK and later migrated to Perth, Australia where she now lives.
A feminist trailblazer in the male dominated surgical community, she forged a successful career as an orthopaedic surgeon. In her career she has confronted sexism and racism. In her personal life she has stared down cancer - twice.
Slice Girls is a beautifully written memoir.
Joan Arakkal is a spectacular human. Amazing.
Thank you @venturapress__ for the advance copy of Slice Girls, it’s such an inspiring read.
A feminist trailblazer in the male dominated surgical community, she forged a successful career as an orthopaedic surgeon. In her career she has confronted sexism and racism. In her personal life she has stared down cancer - twice.
Slice Girls is a beautifully written memoir.
Joan Arakkal is a spectacular human. Amazing.
Thank you @venturapress__ for the advance copy of Slice Girls, it’s such an inspiring read.
October 31, 2022
Joan Arrakul was born in India and qualified as a doctor and then specialist in India. She also practised in the UK before moving to Perth with her husband. She always wanted to work in orthopaedics, especially of the hand, but was denied registration as an orthopaedic specialist into the AOA. She claims they operate like a cartel and keep their numbers low to make sure they are in demands and can charge high fees above the Medicare and private heath cover subsidies. A great read ads you follow her journey through the medical fields. Some uplifting accounts as well as some sad accounts. At times the style of writing is quite amateurish, but it doesn’t distract from the telling.
January 5, 2021
Beautifully written and easy to read. Delved into issues of sexism and difficulties faced by overseas trained doctors that I was aware of anecdotally. Also painted a nice story of Joan’s upbringing and early training in India, with a fascinating - of somewhat sobering, as an Australian - insight into the differences between the Australian and Indian medical systems, as experienced by women. Didn’t have the happy ending I wanted for Joan, but I guess this is reflective of the realistic setting it was written in - happy endings are rare!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
An easy to read story of Dr Arakaal’s childhood, education and struggle to take her rightful place in the closed shop of the “bonemen” in Australia.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tales of Joan’s childhood, wise words from her father and the support she received from her family to achieve her goals and dreams of becoming an Orthopaedic surgeon. After many years of study and working in the UK when she enters the workforce in Australia this intelligent, honest and compassionate doctor encounters unimaginable prejudices of racism and sexism that, sadly, exist in Australia today. I was astonished and disturbed to learn that in our health system there is a group of highly trained surgeons who covet patients and money over fairness and equality. If I ever need orthopaedic surgery I would hope, and prior to reading this book have assumed, that any surgeon I encountered was as skilled, compassionate and caring as Dr. Arakaal.
Her ensuing court case was unsuccessful – I’m not a lawyer but find it difficult to understand, given the evidence submitted, how her case was lost. The health system in Australia has lost a skilled surgeon with a love and passion for her work.
Throughout the story of Joan’s dealing with establishment, her legal battle and twice coping with cancer, no sense of bitterness or self-pity comes through – rather one of the struggle for what is ethical, just and right. It takes courage to speak out and stand up for one’s rights.
Beautifully written this book gives us an insight into small delights and the beauty of everyday life – Joan’s garden and trees, the local Spudshed grocery store, love of family and more. It paints a picture of someone who is dedicated to her work and cares in all areas of her life.
Her story of struggle with the establishment to practice orthopaedics in Australia is one that will, hopefully, bring about some change and open the door into improvements and understanding in all professions so that everyone can practice their chosen line of work without encountering the biases and prejudices that Dr. Arakaal faced.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tales of Joan’s childhood, wise words from her father and the support she received from her family to achieve her goals and dreams of becoming an Orthopaedic surgeon. After many years of study and working in the UK when she enters the workforce in Australia this intelligent, honest and compassionate doctor encounters unimaginable prejudices of racism and sexism that, sadly, exist in Australia today. I was astonished and disturbed to learn that in our health system there is a group of highly trained surgeons who covet patients and money over fairness and equality. If I ever need orthopaedic surgery I would hope, and prior to reading this book have assumed, that any surgeon I encountered was as skilled, compassionate and caring as Dr. Arakaal.
Her ensuing court case was unsuccessful – I’m not a lawyer but find it difficult to understand, given the evidence submitted, how her case was lost. The health system in Australia has lost a skilled surgeon with a love and passion for her work.
Throughout the story of Joan’s dealing with establishment, her legal battle and twice coping with cancer, no sense of bitterness or self-pity comes through – rather one of the struggle for what is ethical, just and right. It takes courage to speak out and stand up for one’s rights.
Beautifully written this book gives us an insight into small delights and the beauty of everyday life – Joan’s garden and trees, the local Spudshed grocery store, love of family and more. It paints a picture of someone who is dedicated to her work and cares in all areas of her life.
Her story of struggle with the establishment to practice orthopaedics in Australia is one that will, hopefully, bring about some change and open the door into improvements and understanding in all professions so that everyone can practice their chosen line of work without encountering the biases and prejudices that Dr. Arakaal faced.
June 1, 2019
Fantastic read. As someone who has had dealings with the Perth orthopaedic community, I found it a fascinating read and so truthful! I'm not a doctor, just a patient.
July 30, 2022
A bit boring. The author is not a writer and it shows. Not really relatable to me at all, despite the fact I am an orthopaedic nurse. It was very one sided and at times just felt like a rant against the orthopaedic profession.
July 17, 2019
Review also posted on https://itsmarvelousbibliophile.wordp...
Thank you to Ventura Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Slice Girls is a memoir by Dr Joan Arakkal that follows her journey to becoming an Orthopedic surgeon, a field traditionally occupied by men, and the hurdles she faced along the way.
I really liked the writing style, I was hooked straight away and I enjoyed hearing Joan tell us her story. Joan went through a lot to get to where she is and I was inspired by her strength and tenacity.
There were parts of the book that dragged and I found my attention wandering, however I don't read Non-Fiction much so I think that was also a factor.
Overall, if you enjoy feminist books and are interested in medical professions I think you will enjoy this memoir.
Thank you to Ventura Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Slice Girls is a memoir by Dr Joan Arakkal that follows her journey to becoming an Orthopedic surgeon, a field traditionally occupied by men, and the hurdles she faced along the way.
I really liked the writing style, I was hooked straight away and I enjoyed hearing Joan tell us her story. Joan went through a lot to get to where she is and I was inspired by her strength and tenacity.
There were parts of the book that dragged and I found my attention wandering, however I don't read Non-Fiction much so I think that was also a factor.
Overall, if you enjoy feminist books and are interested in medical professions I think you will enjoy this memoir.
January 19, 2022
Lovely writing, and excellent (and accurate) reflection on the politics (read: discriminatory practices) of orthopaedic surgery in Australia. Unfortunately, the issues persist across most (if not all) specialties.
I also loved how she tied her childhood and culture into her medical practice. Lovely book. Wish it was longer and more detailed, although I assume she was hampered by legal issues
I also loved how she tied her childhood and culture into her medical practice. Lovely book. Wish it was longer and more detailed, although I assume she was hampered by legal issues
December 1, 2021
"Women do not need a hand up, they just need the foot that is holding them down taken off."
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews