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This is Going to Hurt - starts 8th Feb

666 replies

ouch321 · 30/01/2022 17:37

I loved the book of this by Adam Kay. I know others weren't so keen.
BBC has dramatised this and starts in early Feb. Just a heads up for others who liked the book.

OP posts:
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6
musicalfrog · 01/02/2022 17:47

I'm so disappointed because I love Ben Wishaw but I hate the book and the author so I will not be watching, regardless of if they change it to be less offensive.

When I read the book I was expecting a serious memoir, very disappointed to find the author thought himself a comedian.

I put the book in the recycling, it disgusted me. I've never done that with any other book.

anaemiatreatment · 01/02/2022 18:04

He actually reminded me of a doctor I had once who said, on describing a cystoscopy to me - ‘legs up, legs apart, camera in, camera out, legs down, legs together’ .

Horrendous attitude in women’s healthcare that needs stamped out asap .

Lampshading · 01/02/2022 18:09

I work in healthcare so understand the need for humour to get through shifts, but my personal view is that it isn't suitable to be written about in the way he has. I found it misogynistic and gross as well, will absolutely be giving the TV programme a miss, I'm astounded they have made one and hope his anecdotes were indeed made up.

mum2jakie · 01/02/2022 18:19

Not read any of his books but do like Ben Wishaw so might give this a go to see what it's like on small screen

Newgirls · 01/02/2022 18:44

Interesting comments

My impression of the book was he didn’t think he was suited to the job, right from the intro. He likes the patients on the whole but finds the job too challenging.

I didn’t find the book misogynistic - but it was uncompromising. However the clip of this I’ve seen does look awful - the sooty/Kermit reference being played for laughs on screen seems much worse than in the context of a whole book

ElegantPuma · 01/02/2022 19:08

I've found the comments about Adam Kay's stage performances very interesting. He was on at a smallish local venue before the pandemic, and I expressed frustration to a colleague that I hadn't been able to get a ticket. She said that it was probably better I hadn't been there, because he'd spent the evening picking on an audience member in a very unpleasant way. Seems to be a theme judging by this thread.

forceofagreattyphoon · 07/02/2022 09:12

mobile.twitter.com/RebeccaMKBull/status/1490284786509885441

Saw this pop up on Twitter, seems quite a few found the book misogynistic.

endofagain · 07/02/2022 09:17

His descriptions are accurate. He is misogynistic and very rude about mumsnet. I worked with lots of men like him in the 80s.

Blondeshavemorefun · 07/02/2022 11:08

I saw this in TV guide. Was going to do a thread

I knew based on a book /musings

Never heard of him or read it

But seems many are disturbed by contents

Wondering why bbc chose to show it

forceofagreattyphoon · 07/02/2022 11:13

@Blondeshavemorefun it’s a lauded bestseller unfortunately. Not surprising but many are absolutely fine with or enjoy misogynistic humour and mocking women, same old.

Blondeshavemorefun · 07/02/2022 11:30

How have I not heard of it

I love books

Read lots romance thriller murder trash etc

musicalfrog · 07/02/2022 12:41

@Blondeshavemorefun it's definitely trash!

AdobeWanKenobi · 07/02/2022 12:53

He was a script consultant for Mrs Browns Boys as well I believe, though I seem to recall him being utterly lambasted a few years ago when the lyrics to some of his bands songs came out. IIRC his excuse was it was a charity thing for RAG week.
Here's his 'delightful' Northern Birds.

If you go to Bolton,
If you go to Manchester or Crewe,
Newcastle or Scarborough,
York or Scunthorpe, Bradford, Barnsley too,
Or Grimsby.
Listen up to what we have to say.

Northern birds are lazy, ugly whores, who smell of burgers,
So don’t have too much to drink,
Or you might fuck one,
And end up getting AIDS.

There’s nothing fun,
To be found up the M1,
Northern birds are lower class,
Slags who take it up the arse.

They’re in the sack,
After one cider and black,
But they’re fucking awful rides,
And your dick won’t touch the sides.
(Da da da da da da da da da da)
Northern Birds
(Da da da da da da)

If you really have to go up North,
Then follow our advice.
Fight away the women,
Or you’ll find yourself with pubic lice,
And herpes.
You’re much better staying in the South.

Northern Birds are desperate, ugly, hippos, dressed in Burberry,
With a peanut for a brain,
And an accent,
That makes you want to die.

Now, you’ve been warned.
They’re all physically deformed.
Northern birds are all obese,
And they’re riddled with disease.

Try to escape.
Northern sex is worse than rape.
Stay down South, and mark my words,
Steer well clear of Northern Birds.
(Da da da da da da da da da da)
Northern Birds
(Da da da da da da)
Northern Birds

NightmareSlashDelightful · 07/02/2022 12:54

If I remember correctly, the 'brats and twats' thing is a quote from someone else. The line is something like 'I chose obs and gynae, or 'brats and twats' as it was charmingly known at my medical school'. So it's not his term for it, and the 'charmingly' distinctly suggests that he found the phrase a bit lacking in tact and empathy.

I didn't find the book especially misogynistic personally but I know a lot do. It does feel like casting Ben Wishaw is one way of potentially heading off some of the criticism before it even starts.

But ultimately I'm not sure that a book based around personal reflections and anecdotes is going to work as a drama series.

Thymeout · 07/02/2022 12:56

@Blondeshavemorefun

Well, I and hundreds of thousands of people found it informative, entertaining, moving and, yes, funny. It's based on a diary he kept from being a junior doctor to senior registrar. It's v critical of the effect on the NHS of budget cuts and the toll it takes on doctors' and nurses' lives.

I haven't seen the live shows.

Any misogyny went right over my head, but then I don't think Baby, it's cold outside is about date rape.

Aquarius1234 · 07/02/2022 13:50

I also really like Ben Whishaw but not sure he will suit this role.
Talking to the camera in a drama is a no from me. Farce.
Proper dark drama yes but not comedy.

TheChosenTwo · 07/02/2022 14:20

Not really the point of the thread at all but we read this for book club and I was the only one who had read it and presumed he was in a same sex partnership. Careful avoidance of pronouns all the way through.
Anyway, I read it, it was food for thought, don’t think I’ll watch it.

endofagain · 07/02/2022 15:36

@TheChosenTwo

Not really the point of the thread at all but we read this for book club and I was the only one who had read it and presumed he was in a same sex partnership. Careful avoidance of pronouns all the way through. Anyway, I read it, it was food for thought, don’t think I’ll watch it.
I think it was obvious right from the start tbh.
RoyKentsChestHair · 07/02/2022 17:56

@TheChosenTwo

Not really the point of the thread at all but we read this for book club and I was the only one who had read it and presumed he was in a same sex partnership. Careful avoidance of pronouns all the way through. Anyway, I read it, it was food for thought, don’t think I’ll watch it.
Yes same - we listened to it as audio book on a road trip. I assumed H was male from the start.

Re Ben Wishaw there is definitely something about his voice that sounds a lot like AK, so wonder if that’s why he was cast?

Blondeshavemorefun · 07/02/2022 18:33

I think I need to get this book

JustDanceAddict · 07/02/2022 18:40

I read it years ago, and enjoyed it (and I had a shitty birth experience). I have heard since he’s not a pleasant man, which is a shame.
I’ll prob watch it anyway as I like medical things.

ouch321 · 08/02/2022 20:13

Just a reminder for anyone interested that this starts in 45mins .

OP posts:
Canaloha · 08/02/2022 20:17

I'll make a note to avoid the bbc, the songs he has written with his 'band' are vile as well as this misogynistic piece of poo.

airbalonz · 08/02/2022 20:27

The book is very much humour that ‘punches down’ most of the time Sad

I’ve enjoyed reading funny threads on here about labour and birth experiences but if those threads were written by a load of sneering male doctors suddenly it’s not so funny.

WinterTrees · 08/02/2022 21:13

Just came to see if there's a thread.

I haven't read the book but love Ben W so was happy to give it a watch.

Jesus Christ. The opening scenario where he shoves a labouring woman in a goods lift and doesn't bother to phone for help - words fail.

Have heard that Adam Kay is a dick. Ben Wishaw has been tainted by association, which is sad.