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A review by soobooksalot
The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I by Lindsey Fitzharris
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Often it's the challenging reads that make the impact!
The Facemaker by medical historian Lindsey Fitzharris tells the true story of pioneering techniques in plastic surgery in World War 1.
Surgeon Harold Gillies saw the need for facial reconstruction due to the devastating injuries incurred during trench warfare.
Soldiers were left not only horribly disfigured but were often unable to speak or eat, and susceptible to deadly infections.
Fitzharris illustrates not only the surgical procedure breakthroughs, but also the people behind them - patients, artists and medical staff alike. Her writing style is very readable despise the heavy subject matter.
It's a graphic, yet gripping read. And before, during and after photos are included to show Gillies' methods at work.
It's an eye-opening book to experience - recommended!
The Facemaker by medical historian Lindsey Fitzharris tells the true story of pioneering techniques in plastic surgery in World War 1.
Surgeon Harold Gillies saw the need for facial reconstruction due to the devastating injuries incurred during trench warfare.
Soldiers were left not only horribly disfigured but were often unable to speak or eat, and susceptible to deadly infections.
Fitzharris illustrates not only the surgical procedure breakthroughs, but also the people behind them - patients, artists and medical staff alike. Her writing style is very readable despise the heavy subject matter.
It's a graphic, yet gripping read. And before, during and after photos are included to show Gillies' methods at work.
It's an eye-opening book to experience - recommended!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts