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The Seven Ages of Death
Conducting many thousands of post-mortems has given Dr Richard Shepherd the opportunity to examine death at every stage of life. Each autopsy is its own unique investigation, providing evidence of how, through life, the risks to us ebb and flow. From old to young, from murder to misadventure, and from illness to accidental death, each body has taught him something: about human development, about mortality, about its owner's life story, about justice and even about himself.
From the bestselling author of Unnatural Causes comes a powerful, moving, endlessly fascinating and above all reassuring book about death as it touches our own lives - how to understand it, how best to postpone it, and, when our time comes (as it must come), how to embrace it, as the last great adventure on our journey through life.
From the bestselling author of Unnatural Causes comes a powerful, moving, endlessly fascinating and above all reassuring book about death as it touches our own lives - how to understand it, how best to postpone it, and, when our time comes (as it must come), how to embrace it, as the last great adventure on our journey through life.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2021
665 people are currently reading
9107 people want to read
About the author
Richard Shepherd
20 books514 followersRichard Shepherd was born in West London but grew up in Watford. He trained as a doctor at St George's Hospital medical school at Hyde Park Corner, qualifying in 1977, and then completed his postgraduate training as a forensic pathologist in 1987. He immediately joined what was then the elite forensic department at Guy's Hospital.
Shepherd is an experienced Senior Lecturer and Professor who has taught at universities around the world and lectured to professional audiences at national and international conferences. He has also talked to students in several secondary schools to encourage them to study medicine, science and the law.
Shepherd is an experienced Senior Lecturer and Professor who has taught at universities around the world and lectured to professional audiences at national and international conferences. He has also talked to students in several secondary schools to encourage them to study medicine, science and the law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 740 reviews
December 20, 2021
"Doctor, doctor what did I die from? Is the question these bodies laid out on the mortuary table ask the doctor. And he replies, "I don't know, but I'm going to find out" and "then we'll try and get the person who did this to you".
The first part, the cause, he can do, but the second part relies on outside agencies and not all the cases are solved, and that is sometimes upsetting and always frustrating. But the honesty of not everything having an ending that ties up all the pieces is realistic, this isn't fiction.
The forensic pathology story is interwoven with that of the author, it's an interesting book and an enjoyable read. But sad.
__________
Reading notes The third doctor story in a row -
Well, Doc, It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time!: The Unexpected Adventures of a Trauma Surgeon - very good, review to come,
Sometimes Amazing Things Happen: Heartbreak and Hope on the Bellevue Hospital Psychiatric Prison Ward - quite good also awaiting a review and best of all,
The Knife’s Edge: The Heart and Mind of a Cardiac Surgeon RTC - 10 star book, absolutely outstanding, and now this one.
The difference is that the other books were doctors who helped the living, this is a pathologist who helps the dead to get justice for their criminal demise.
The first part, the cause, he can do, but the second part relies on outside agencies and not all the cases are solved, and that is sometimes upsetting and always frustrating. But the honesty of not everything having an ending that ties up all the pieces is realistic, this isn't fiction.
The forensic pathology story is interwoven with that of the author, it's an interesting book and an enjoyable read. But sad.
__________
Reading notes The third doctor story in a row -
Well, Doc, It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time!: The Unexpected Adventures of a Trauma Surgeon - very good, review to come,
Sometimes Amazing Things Happen: Heartbreak and Hope on the Bellevue Hospital Psychiatric Prison Ward - quite good also awaiting a review and best of all,
The Knife’s Edge: The Heart and Mind of a Cardiac Surgeon RTC - 10 star book, absolutely outstanding, and now this one.
The difference is that the other books were doctors who helped the living, this is a pathologist who helps the dead to get justice for their criminal demise.
May 12, 2022
Another book written with sensitivy, honesty and respect.
September 6, 2021
I absolutely LOVED ‘unnatural causes’ by Dr Richard Shepherd, and devoured it in one sitting. It completely fascinated me.
I had heard there would be a second book released this September and the moment it was published, I bought it.
It didn’t disappoint.
Another incredibly informative, intelligent, fascinating and quite brilliant instalment which deserves no less than another 5 stars.
Mind blowing stuff if you have any interest in this subject.
I had heard there would be a second book released this September and the moment it was published, I bought it.
It didn’t disappoint.
Another incredibly informative, intelligent, fascinating and quite brilliant instalment which deserves no less than another 5 stars.
Mind blowing stuff if you have any interest in this subject.
Read
June 6, 2022A fascinating look at death in all stages of life, from babies to pensioners, with a lot to think about regarding mortality and our unwillingness to prevent it. Some stories of murders and crime, but also many more of the natural ills that flesh is heir to. If you want to know why your knees hurt, find out here. Also some regrettably sensible stuff on how to look after your flesh robot.
Very well written, and told with great humility and humanity, and a frankness about the author's own weaknesses, physical and mental. Funny how forensic pathologists' memoirs are always so much more compassionate and sensitive than those of surgeons (who deal with live people).
Very well written, and told with great humility and humanity, and a frankness about the author's own weaknesses, physical and mental. Funny how forensic pathologists' memoirs are always so much more compassionate and sensitive than those of surgeons (who deal with live people).
January 17, 2023
I was quite impressed. I found the book easy to read and understand. Sometimes, for me, non fiction can get so intense with facts that I don't know much about that I get overwhelmed. Not so this book. I found that Dr. Shepards explanations and his laying out of facts not only easy to understand, but often fascinating. His passion in his work shows.
October 25, 2024
Trochę obawiałam się, że przeceniam tą książkę, natomiast po kilkunastu dniach od lektury wciąż myślę o niej bardzo ciepło.
To nie tylko solidna dawka merytorycznej wiedzy i interesujących przypadków medycznych, ale również osobista i szczera spowiedź dokonywana przed własnym ciałem. Końcówka to przepiękna afirmacja życia i śmierci.
Jedna z najlepszych książek tego roku.
To nie tylko solidna dawka merytorycznej wiedzy i interesujących przypadków medycznych, ale również osobista i szczera spowiedź dokonywana przed własnym ciałem. Końcówka to przepiękna afirmacja życia i śmierci.
Jedna z najlepszych książek tego roku.
August 18, 2022
4.5 stars. Almost as good as Unnatural Causes! I NEED MORE
June 5, 2022
I haven’t read this author’s first book but after glancing at a few reviews Unnatural Causes: The Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist seems to be the gem.
I like medical memoirs and medical non-fiction and it was most definitely not a bad way to spend my reading time. It was not however the most original I have ever come across. The author tends to play detective, criticize the police and make very old school statements about nutrition in particular.
But he has had a very illustrious career as a forensic pathologist, and I did find most of the cases interesting. On a final note, if you are scared of getting old, perhaps skip the last few chapters :-)
I like medical memoirs and medical non-fiction and it was most definitely not a bad way to spend my reading time. It was not however the most original I have ever come across. The author tends to play detective, criticize the police and make very old school statements about nutrition in particular.
But he has had a very illustrious career as a forensic pathologist, and I did find most of the cases interesting. On a final note, if you are scared of getting old, perhaps skip the last few chapters :-)
January 26, 2024
This is exactly the kind of book I could devour in one sitting, but as time has been against me lately, I just had to pick it up as often as possible, and still then, I felt it wasn't enough. Having read 'Unnatural Causes' some time ago, I kind of knew what I was letting myself into with this one, and I'm so very glad I did! His books have me literally glued, and I think this is due to a mixture of elements, the writing style is clear, the cases he discusses are fascinating, and lastly, I really do have a secret morbid curiosity.
The book consists of chapters that make up for the periods in a person's life, starting from a baby, to the very elderly, and Shepherd discusses the most common causes of fatalities during these ages. They are not all natural causes, and I suppose that's what makes some of them all the more interesting.
What is surprising to read about is that many murders go unsolved, and therefore people get away without paying for their crimes, even with the level of forensics we are fortunate enough to have today. I feel for families that have to go through their lives, without knowing who took their loved one's life.
I noticed that Shepherd included parts of his personal life within this book which I cannot say I loved as much as the actual cases, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the content, and I'm really hoping he'll write a few more books in the future.
The book consists of chapters that make up for the periods in a person's life, starting from a baby, to the very elderly, and Shepherd discusses the most common causes of fatalities during these ages. They are not all natural causes, and I suppose that's what makes some of them all the more interesting.
What is surprising to read about is that many murders go unsolved, and therefore people get away without paying for their crimes, even with the level of forensics we are fortunate enough to have today. I feel for families that have to go through their lives, without knowing who took their loved one's life.
I noticed that Shepherd included parts of his personal life within this book which I cannot say I loved as much as the actual cases, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the content, and I'm really hoping he'll write a few more books in the future.
April 15, 2023
Really good, informative look into various types of death dependant on probability and age. It's well though out, logical and linear in its presentation and easy to understand by the casual reader. As someone who actively works in neuro, I obviously had a particular interest in the dementia and extra axial heamorrhage discussions. I think everyone could take something away from this.
Trigger warnings in the early chapters for child death and child abuse. They were very heavy to read about.
Trigger warnings in the early chapters for child death and child abuse. They were very heavy to read about.
December 4, 2021
I was underwhelmed by this one and am not sure why it has gotten such high ratings. There were a few interesting cases, sure, but I didn't find them to be that profound. But, maybe that's because I rotated in the medical examiner's office as a med student and therefore most of this was not novel to me. I did think some of the ethical dilemmas presented toward the end were somewhat interesting.
Shepherd was also trying to explain physiology quite a bit, which may be good for a layperson, but for me, I glazed over. Finally, I thought some of his personal anecdotes and recounting his own health ailments (knee arthritis? who cares?!) were unnecessary and annoying.
So, this may be an interesting read for a layperson with a passing interest in medical stuff and minimal knowledge of what goes on in a medical examiner's office, but it wasn't great for me.
Shepherd was also trying to explain physiology quite a bit, which may be good for a layperson, but for me, I glazed over. Finally, I thought some of his personal anecdotes and recounting his own health ailments (knee arthritis? who cares?!) were unnecessary and annoying.
So, this may be an interesting read for a layperson with a passing interest in medical stuff and minimal knowledge of what goes on in a medical examiner's office, but it wasn't great for me.
October 27, 2022
Very interesting insight, and I especially loved the later chapters when the author talks about his own experience of getting old.
November 10, 2022
RIP 11.9.22
When writing book reviews, a concern is given to the author. In the case of Dr. Shepherd and his aspirations to be a pathologist stemmed from severe parental afflictions (matriarchal). December can be difficult for many---for friends and familial blessings in my obscure microcosm--cajoling us with memories of warmth and tragedy for a handful of the unfortunate. Blessing from chaos in this case was the lantern held high illuminating the way for Dr. Shepherd to becoming a pathologist (now forensic pathologist).
"I reached the mortuary and saw a couple of police cars were there already…a group of detectives and the coroner’s officer were hovering in their scrubs outside the post-mortem room…everyone hates that moment when they see the baby.”
—Dr. Richard Shepherd"
Detective work is not just for criminal cases and it applies to medicine. Here Dr. Shephard shares twenty-four of his most clandestine cases telling us the lucid manner of how the patient lived, its movement and the subsequent demise. The body tells us its story if we have the patience to listen, observe and give it the focus needed. This book was recommended (not my usual genre).
Not always noticed, the brilliance of this text bubbles slowly like a voice, touch or thud succinctly placed to happen right when the reader felt normal sipping a cup of tea. It’s here that the reader (under the safety of warm covers or behind the "home door") has a view as if they were perched high on the shoulders of the author into the grim, lifeless practice of solving an "Einstein problem" efficiently and while consciously maintaining a sense of sanity in the undulating waves of morbidity. This is not a book for those with gastrointestinal issues or who vomit easily. Use caution.
When writing book reviews, a concern is given to the author. In the case of Dr. Shepherd and his aspirations to be a pathologist stemmed from severe parental afflictions (matriarchal). December can be difficult for many---for friends and familial blessings in my obscure microcosm--cajoling us with memories of warmth and tragedy for a handful of the unfortunate. Blessing from chaos in this case was the lantern held high illuminating the way for Dr. Shepherd to becoming a pathologist (now forensic pathologist).
"I reached the mortuary and saw a couple of police cars were there already…a group of detectives and the coroner’s officer were hovering in their scrubs outside the post-mortem room…everyone hates that moment when they see the baby.”
—Dr. Richard Shepherd"
Detective work is not just for criminal cases and it applies to medicine. Here Dr. Shephard shares twenty-four of his most clandestine cases telling us the lucid manner of how the patient lived, its movement and the subsequent demise. The body tells us its story if we have the patience to listen, observe and give it the focus needed. This book was recommended (not my usual genre).
Not always noticed, the brilliance of this text bubbles slowly like a voice, touch or thud succinctly placed to happen right when the reader felt normal sipping a cup of tea. It’s here that the reader (under the safety of warm covers or behind the "home door") has a view as if they were perched high on the shoulders of the author into the grim, lifeless practice of solving an "Einstein problem" efficiently and while consciously maintaining a sense of sanity in the undulating waves of morbidity. This is not a book for those with gastrointestinal issues or who vomit easily. Use caution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
I was gripped by this fascinating book from the outset. I have learnt so much about the human body and human behaviour! Some of the cases make for a tough and upsetting read but are nonetheless highly thought provoking. I have found myself imparting my new found knowledge at every opportunity to friends and family-quoting many of the interesting facts!
The thought of loved ones dying, (myself included!) has always scared me, but in the final chapter, Dr Shepherd, whose beliefs and ideas about this terrifying process are remarkably insightful, managed to dispel some of my fears. Riveting.
The thought of loved ones dying, (myself included!) has always scared me, but in the final chapter, Dr Shepherd, whose beliefs and ideas about this terrifying process are remarkably insightful, managed to dispel some of my fears. Riveting.
June 27, 2023
Grāmata, kas liek pārdomāt savu dzīvesveidu un paradumus, kamēr nav vēl par vēlu.
January 6, 2023
Shepherd has spent his career conducting more than 23,000 post-mortems. His case histories (names being changed due to privacy) describe death at seven stages, from the case of a baby to an 86-year-old, and many others along the way. He shows us that you can’t make assumptions and that sometimes suspicious deaths are accidents or vice versa. Shepherd also goes into depth about the many risk factors we're up against along the way and how they relate to ageing; along with also giving us a detailed reasoning and the health issues that surround the individuals he's carrying a post mortem on. Shepherd has written this book so well and in such a sympathetically, poignantly and of course intelligently way.
"The hippocamus is small and hidden. It is names for its shape, which is rather like a seahors"
“One of the greatest skills I have learned is not to feel a moral repulsion which others might think is not only justified but required.”
"The hippocamus is small and hidden. It is names for its shape, which is rather like a seahors"
“One of the greatest skills I have learned is not to feel a moral repulsion which others might think is not only justified but required.”
January 14, 2022
This book is exceptional. I really enjoyed Richard Shepherd's previous book, "Unnatural Causes" but I honestly think this one might be even better! There is just something about his books which total captivates me - I legitimately can't put them down. Maybe it's the writing style, the interesting cases, the unique insight into some high profile cases many of us followed at the time they happened or maybe it's just simple morbid curiosity. Whatever it is, count me in for ten more books if he's willing!
The way in which this second instalment is told is well thought out. Shepherd divides the book into periods in our lifetime, and looks at some of the common causes for death (both natural and unnatural) during these ages. You won't be surprised to see suicide in the late teens to early twenties, passionate murders in the jealous middle ages or murder by means of aggression towards the elderly. There is no "dying of old age" really anymore, not with the miracles of modern medicine, and actually even in the case of those succumbing to the struggles of their age, something quite often triggers the bodily response that initiates that final straw that broke the camels back.
What's also illuminating is the number of ways in which people seem to get away with murder. Literally. Shepherd has a genuinely unique insight into some high profile cases, or unknown but incredibly revealing cases, which allows the bodies to do the talking. As opposed to the policeman or barrister with a flair for the dramatic.
I just adore these books. In Unnatural Causes I think I would admit that I felt some of the more personal sections about Shepherd's own life didn't really work for me - I'd go as far as to say they sometimes seemed a little indulgent. But some of my favourite parts of this book were the most personal ones - I think he's really struck the balance just right. I truly hope that there will be more books gracing my shelf in the future.
The way in which this second instalment is told is well thought out. Shepherd divides the book into periods in our lifetime, and looks at some of the common causes for death (both natural and unnatural) during these ages. You won't be surprised to see suicide in the late teens to early twenties, passionate murders in the jealous middle ages or murder by means of aggression towards the elderly. There is no "dying of old age" really anymore, not with the miracles of modern medicine, and actually even in the case of those succumbing to the struggles of their age, something quite often triggers the bodily response that initiates that final straw that broke the camels back.
What's also illuminating is the number of ways in which people seem to get away with murder. Literally. Shepherd has a genuinely unique insight into some high profile cases, or unknown but incredibly revealing cases, which allows the bodies to do the talking. As opposed to the policeman or barrister with a flair for the dramatic.
I just adore these books. In Unnatural Causes I think I would admit that I felt some of the more personal sections about Shepherd's own life didn't really work for me - I'd go as far as to say they sometimes seemed a little indulgent. But some of my favourite parts of this book were the most personal ones - I think he's really struck the balance just right. I truly hope that there will be more books gracing my shelf in the future.
April 17, 2023
Obviously not a light read, but I learnt so much from this book it’s uncanny. Dr Shepherd had such a unique, calm, and respectful way of tackling such dreary topics, but it’s easy to hear his passion for what he does bleed through his writing. A great insight into forensic medicine and the little things we can do for our health.
August 27, 2022
Dr Richard doesn’t disappoint. This is another wonderful book on forensic pathology divided into different stages of life and examining the most common way of death in each stages. From infancy to senility. At certain stage what are we most infallible to, corroborated by statistics and some famous cases Dr Shepard had handled. Some cases are so famous that it invited all sorts of conspiracy theories like the case with Dr David Kelly, but Dr Shepard supported the attending forensic pathologist’s conclusion as well as explanation to debunk the conspiracy theories.
It included snippets of his personal ailments, reminding us that doctors are just as human as each one of us despite being preempt with knowledge of the diseases that indulging in vices like alcohol, cigarettes and etc could bring. Yet, most of us are addicted to it and couldn’t bring ourselves to quit. He even admitted that he had a little alcohol problem in the later years and refused to seek help while living in self denial.
This book compared to the last offered more statistics and data, and explanation of the process of why and how, certain diseases or external factors kill our corporeal form. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning. Its odourless and the case cited was of a teen couple pulling their bbq pit into their tent to warm themselves, a seemingly innocent gesture, the fire may appeared blowed out but it was still burning inside and releasing the harmful odourless gas, ultimately poisoning both campers. This case strikes a bit close to home as I personally know of someone that died of carbon monoxide poisoning from an old leaky gas heater while they were asleep. Its the most memorable and personal chapter for me and it might sound a bit insensitive but I felt slightly assured to know that they weren’t in pain when they passed.
Death itself is something we will experience no matter what. Dr Richard mentioned that many that came back alive claimed that its the most wonderful experience and he reasoned it could be because we are no longer burdened by anything and thus will be the most relaxed sensation. Before reading this book, I thought dying in sleep is the the best way to depart from this world but after reading Dr Richard’s preferred way of departing, which is reading on his armchair while consciously knowing he is dying, its morbid but its a thought that made me revise my opinion on it.
It included snippets of his personal ailments, reminding us that doctors are just as human as each one of us despite being preempt with knowledge of the diseases that indulging in vices like alcohol, cigarettes and etc could bring. Yet, most of us are addicted to it and couldn’t bring ourselves to quit. He even admitted that he had a little alcohol problem in the later years and refused to seek help while living in self denial.
This book compared to the last offered more statistics and data, and explanation of the process of why and how, certain diseases or external factors kill our corporeal form. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning. Its odourless and the case cited was of a teen couple pulling their bbq pit into their tent to warm themselves, a seemingly innocent gesture, the fire may appeared blowed out but it was still burning inside and releasing the harmful odourless gas, ultimately poisoning both campers. This case strikes a bit close to home as I personally know of someone that died of carbon monoxide poisoning from an old leaky gas heater while they were asleep. Its the most memorable and personal chapter for me and it might sound a bit insensitive but I felt slightly assured to know that they weren’t in pain when they passed.
Death itself is something we will experience no matter what. Dr Richard mentioned that many that came back alive claimed that its the most wonderful experience and he reasoned it could be because we are no longer burdened by anything and thus will be the most relaxed sensation. Before reading this book, I thought dying in sleep is the the best way to depart from this world but after reading Dr Richard’s preferred way of departing, which is reading on his armchair while consciously knowing he is dying, its morbid but its a thought that made me revise my opinion on it.
December 27, 2022
A fascinating collection of deaths, grouped by the seven ages of man and shared with us by the pathologist. Arguably the good stuff is in the first half as he starts to switch focus from the cases to himself as the book winds up...
August 30, 2024
miejscami obrzydzajaca i przerażająca opisami, ale ciekawa. Natomiast tak okrutnie irytowała mnie narracja autora, że nie mogę dać więcej niż 3/5
September 8, 2024
#bookemnkowebingo wrzesień 2024 - życie, śmierć w tytule i na okładce - akcja Karmeny z kanału Bookmenka
Przeczytałam z polecenia Natalii z kanału kursywa, którą ta pozycja zachwyciła. I przyznam szczerze, że ja dosyć długo tego zachwytu nie czułam. Nastawiałam się na coś innego a była to dla mnie po prosta historia - zbiór różnych przypadków śmierci, które miał okazję badać autor - patolog sądowy- osób w każdym wieku, od dzieci po starców. Niektóre znane, z pierwszych stron gazet Napisane to jest fachowym ale przystępnym językiem. Audiobooka słucha się bardzo dobrze, lekko mimo bardzo ciężkiego tematu. W pewnym momencie złapałam się jednak na tym, że w tym opowiadaniu o śmierci jest ogromna afirmacja życia. Ogromna akceptacja śmierci - tej która przychodzi naturalnie, w późnym wieku, bo czeka to każdego z nas. Jest w tym opowiadaniu i przestroga ale nie wyrażona wprost tylko taka między wierszami, nienachalna Jest gdzieś pomiędzy motto carpe diem. Epilog mnie autentycznie poruszył. . Zdecydowanie polecam
Przeczytałam z polecenia Natalii z kanału kursywa, którą ta pozycja zachwyciła. I przyznam szczerze, że ja dosyć długo tego zachwytu nie czułam. Nastawiałam się na coś innego a była to dla mnie po prosta historia - zbiór różnych przypadków śmierci, które miał okazję badać autor - patolog sądowy- osób w każdym wieku, od dzieci po starców. Niektóre znane, z pierwszych stron gazet Napisane to jest fachowym ale przystępnym językiem. Audiobooka słucha się bardzo dobrze, lekko mimo bardzo ciężkiego tematu. W pewnym momencie złapałam się jednak na tym, że w tym opowiadaniu o śmierci jest ogromna afirmacja życia. Ogromna akceptacja śmierci - tej która przychodzi naturalnie, w późnym wieku, bo czeka to każdego z nas. Jest w tym opowiadaniu i przestroga ale nie wyrażona wprost tylko taka między wierszami, nienachalna Jest gdzieś pomiędzy motto carpe diem. Epilog mnie autentycznie poruszył. . Zdecydowanie polecam
July 7, 2022
The cover of this fascinating book declares that "Britain's Top Forensic Psychologist Reveals the Hidden Lives of the Dead," and that is a pretty accurate description of its contents. Using the text from Shaespeare's play "As You Like It," which begins: "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages," Dr. Richard Shepherd uses real-life examples of deaths he has investigated, from infants to those in old age, to reveal a very engaging perspective on the span of our mortal existence.
Shepherd not only has a very unique and interesting occupation, but he is a terrific writer, and keeps the reader engaged in every chapter, each of which is kind of its own mini-mystery with details about the deceased's life and cause of death. The book can best be summarized by the final paragraph, where Shepherd writes:
"In this book you have read of death through homicide, suicide, love, cruelty, madness, and bad luck . . . that is the world of the forensic pathologist. But death for most of us is not that way. Like my own father's, it takes place quietly, in the knowledge that life has been worth living and that we have been loved. I'd like to die in a chair reading a book, but one thing I know is that I really don't want to be asleep. In case I miss what may jst be life's most wonderful experience."
So while the book at times discusses some less-than-ideal death scenarios with some gruesome detail, it also provides a message of hope--that death is not something to be feared, but to be embraced as a welcome release from the pains and struggles of this life. As Shepherd also says in his conclusion:
"What a scramble it all is. And at the end, we let it go. The noise stops. With some sighs and perhaps a rattle, we release life. And once we realize that we have no choice, how can that release by anything less than enjoyable? Even when we fall asleep, we do not give in to such total relaxation as death brings: I don't thik such a sense of release can possibly be achieved in life. And that applies whether we have a violent, untimely death, or long weeks of quiet preparation in a hospital bed."
Shepherd not only has a very unique and interesting occupation, but he is a terrific writer, and keeps the reader engaged in every chapter, each of which is kind of its own mini-mystery with details about the deceased's life and cause of death. The book can best be summarized by the final paragraph, where Shepherd writes:
"In this book you have read of death through homicide, suicide, love, cruelty, madness, and bad luck . . . that is the world of the forensic pathologist. But death for most of us is not that way. Like my own father's, it takes place quietly, in the knowledge that life has been worth living and that we have been loved. I'd like to die in a chair reading a book, but one thing I know is that I really don't want to be asleep. In case I miss what may jst be life's most wonderful experience."
So while the book at times discusses some less-than-ideal death scenarios with some gruesome detail, it also provides a message of hope--that death is not something to be feared, but to be embraced as a welcome release from the pains and struggles of this life. As Shepherd also says in his conclusion:
"What a scramble it all is. And at the end, we let it go. The noise stops. With some sighs and perhaps a rattle, we release life. And once we realize that we have no choice, how can that release by anything less than enjoyable? Even when we fall asleep, we do not give in to such total relaxation as death brings: I don't thik such a sense of release can possibly be achieved in life. And that applies whether we have a violent, untimely death, or long weeks of quiet preparation in a hospital bed."
March 12, 2025
Nuostabi! Man patiko lygiai taip pat, kaip pirmoji. Ši dar ir ypatingai įkvepia atsakingiau vertinti savo gyvybę, rūpintis kūnu bei praplečia žinias medicinos srityje. Nežinau, ar autorius taip puikiai rašo, ar vertėja išverčia, o gal abu labu tokiu, bet knyga persiskaito ypatingai lengvai, įtraukiančiai ir skatina smalsumą. Tema ne iš lengvųjų, bet skaitosi tikrai lengvai.
O patį autorių atrodo, net šiek tiek įsimylėjau, visai kaip dr. Eugenijų Laurinaitį, dėl savo atsidavimo darbui, erudicijos, empatijos ir vertybių ❤️
O patį autorių atrodo, net šiek tiek įsimylėjau, visai kaip dr. Eugenijų Laurinaitį, dėl savo atsidavimo darbui, erudicijos, empatijos ir vertybių ❤️
April 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this. Having read Richard's first book Unnatural Causes, I knew this one would be perfect to follow up.
Although perhaps the title is confusing as there weren't seemingly seven ages of death described in the book, maybe I missed that point? But, this book contained case notes of various deaths Richard had performed autopsies on. There were also many personal stories from him in this book which made it feel more like a biography in places, but they were relevant to the parts of the cases he was describing.
It's extremely descriptive and I love how honest he is, in some cases having differences of opinions with the police and other pathologists on certain cases and I think that's a good trait, if he knows he is correct he stands by his opinion no matter what others say. It's a great insight into his job and his daily life which was very informative and kept me interested.
Although perhaps the title is confusing as there weren't seemingly seven ages of death described in the book, maybe I missed that point? But, this book contained case notes of various deaths Richard had performed autopsies on. There were also many personal stories from him in this book which made it feel more like a biography in places, but they were relevant to the parts of the cases he was describing.
It's extremely descriptive and I love how honest he is, in some cases having differences of opinions with the police and other pathologists on certain cases and I think that's a good trait, if he knows he is correct he stands by his opinion no matter what others say. It's a great insight into his job and his daily life which was very informative and kept me interested.
January 20, 2025
⭐️4.75
naprawdę dużo dowiedzialam się z tej książki, medycyna sądowa i to co dzieje się z ludzkim ciałem po śmierci jest bardzo ciekawe i interesujące. Dr Richard przeprowadza nas przez różne śmierci od morderstwo po śmierć naturalna, w każdym momencie dokladnie opisując stan ciala a także historie osoby zmarłej. Jedynym minusem ( dla mnie ) były przydługawe wstawki prywaty autora ale wiadomo że w takich ksiazkach jest to potrzebne aby odetchnać.
naprawdę dużo dowiedzialam się z tej książki, medycyna sądowa i to co dzieje się z ludzkim ciałem po śmierci jest bardzo ciekawe i interesujące. Dr Richard przeprowadza nas przez różne śmierci od morderstwo po śmierć naturalna, w każdym momencie dokladnie opisując stan ciala a także historie osoby zmarłej. Jedynym minusem ( dla mnie ) były przydługawe wstawki prywaty autora ale wiadomo że w takich ksiazkach jest to potrzebne aby odetchnać.
December 28, 2022
9/10
Świetnie się ją czytało! Przewracałam strony naprawdę ze sporym zaciekawieniem od samego początku, aż do końca. Bardzo dobry styl i przemyślana kompozycja. Osoby znające się na temacie pewnie wyciągną z tej książki jeszcze więcej, ale dla laika też była przystępna. Zawiera wiele interesujących informacji podanych w niebanalny sposób. Emanuje z niej spokój, empatia, szacunek, wrażliwość, ale także dociekliwość i profesjonalizm. Nawiązanie do osobistych przeżyć autora moim zdaniem było dużym plusem.
Pomimo tak trudnego tematu, była bardzo kojąca i pokrzepiająca. Sporo uświadamia o ludzkim życiu i tak po prostu trafia w samo sedno. Polecam!
Świetnie się ją czytało! Przewracałam strony naprawdę ze sporym zaciekawieniem od samego początku, aż do końca. Bardzo dobry styl i przemyślana kompozycja. Osoby znające się na temacie pewnie wyciągną z tej książki jeszcze więcej, ale dla laika też była przystępna. Zawiera wiele interesujących informacji podanych w niebanalny sposób. Emanuje z niej spokój, empatia, szacunek, wrażliwość, ale także dociekliwość i profesjonalizm. Nawiązanie do osobistych przeżyć autora moim zdaniem było dużym plusem.
Pomimo tak trudnego tematu, była bardzo kojąca i pokrzepiająca. Sporo uświadamia o ludzkim życiu i tak po prostu trafia w samo sedno. Polecam!
July 3, 2025
loved this maybe even more than the first one 🌟
April 27, 2023
Wonderfully interesting book about a seemingly very grim topic. It was a true pleasure to read despite all the detailed accounts of dissecting people. If only everyone could write this enthusiastically about their own profession!
January 17, 2025
Metai prasidėjo sunkiai. Plaučių uždegimas, anafilaksinis šokas, bet skaitinių prasme 2025m kol kas rieda puikiai! Pribaigtos jau trys knygos ir visos geros. Na, o šiandien noriu pasidalinti visiškai #medikaiknygoje2025 rekomendacija - leidyklos Balto išleista knyga - "Septyni mirties amžiai".
Tai knyga apie mirtį. Kūrinyje nuosekliai dėstoma apie dažniausias mirties priežastis tam tikrame žmogaus amžiuje: kūdikystėje, paauglystėje, suaugus, tapus senjoru ir t.t. Aiškinama įdomiai, ne sausai, per tam tikrus pavyzdžius ir skrodimus. Skatinama domėtis žmogaus fiziologija, anatomija. Jaučiasi, kad knygą parašė anatomas patologas. Jis su didžiuliu užsidegimu pasakoja apie žmogaus kūno kismą senstant. Knygoje remtasi ir asmenine autoriaus patirtimi, atskleidžiamos jo šeimos, giminės gyvenimo detalės. Tad kūrinys be galo asmeniškas, jautrus.
Knyga skaitoma lengvai, įdomiai. Pradėjus skaityti vieną iš dvidešimt keturių intriguojančių teismo medicinos patologo istorijų, sunku atsitraukti jos nepabaigus. Man šios knygos pakako lygiai 24 prisėdimams. Šiose istorijose atskleidžiama ne tik mirties neišvengiamybė, bet ir gyvenimo stebuklai. Jautresniems žmonėms kūrinys gali pasirodyti kiek šokiruojantis, ypač kur smulkiai aprašomos kūdikių, vaikų mirtys. Na, o man jis buvo nuostabus, smalsumą, kūno svarbą ir mirties pažinimą skatinantis kūrinys.
Lyginant su autoriaus pirmąja knyga - „Ne sava mirtimi“ ši - "Septyni mirties amžiai" - man patiko labiau. Joje radau daugiau įkvėpimo gyventi ir keistis, rūpintis savimi ir mane supančia aplinka.
Vertinu 5/5. Rekomenduoju perskaityti žmonėms, kurie domisi medicina, žmogaus kūnu. Tiems, kuriems smalsu sužinoti daugiau apie mirtį ir jos metu vykstančius procesus.
Tai knyga apie mirtį. Kūrinyje nuosekliai dėstoma apie dažniausias mirties priežastis tam tikrame žmogaus amžiuje: kūdikystėje, paauglystėje, suaugus, tapus senjoru ir t.t. Aiškinama įdomiai, ne sausai, per tam tikrus pavyzdžius ir skrodimus. Skatinama domėtis žmogaus fiziologija, anatomija. Jaučiasi, kad knygą parašė anatomas patologas. Jis su didžiuliu užsidegimu pasakoja apie žmogaus kūno kismą senstant. Knygoje remtasi ir asmenine autoriaus patirtimi, atskleidžiamos jo šeimos, giminės gyvenimo detalės. Tad kūrinys be galo asmeniškas, jautrus.
Knyga skaitoma lengvai, įdomiai. Pradėjus skaityti vieną iš dvidešimt keturių intriguojančių teismo medicinos patologo istorijų, sunku atsitraukti jos nepabaigus. Man šios knygos pakako lygiai 24 prisėdimams. Šiose istorijose atskleidžiama ne tik mirties neišvengiamybė, bet ir gyvenimo stebuklai. Jautresniems žmonėms kūrinys gali pasirodyti kiek šokiruojantis, ypač kur smulkiai aprašomos kūdikių, vaikų mirtys. Na, o man jis buvo nuostabus, smalsumą, kūno svarbą ir mirties pažinimą skatinantis kūrinys.
Lyginant su autoriaus pirmąja knyga - „Ne sava mirtimi“ ši - "Septyni mirties amžiai" - man patiko labiau. Joje radau daugiau įkvėpimo gyventi ir keistis, rūpintis savimi ir mane supančia aplinka.
Vertinu 5/5. Rekomenduoju perskaityti žmonėms, kurie domisi medicina, žmogaus kūnu. Tiems, kuriems smalsu sužinoti daugiau apie mirtį ir jos metu vykstančius procesus.
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