Book was better. But actually really hard to judge because the book and the series had very different tones.
I laughed my way through 95% of the book (and bawled at the last 5%). Yes, I sensed Adam’s frustration with the NHS, and his exhaustion, and the strain that his work hours put on his relationships. However, I didn’t feel his bitterness.
In the TV series, Adam is bitter, short-tempered and rude. Funny as well, but we only get glimpses of that. The prize for the funniest person in the series goes to senior consulant on the maternity ward, Vicky Houghton – she had me laughing out loud. But overall, the series was terribly sad, and the repeated use of images of a premature delivery that Adam had been involved in, make for tough viewing.
The series is available on Foxtel (Binge) in Australia.
Ah, you watched it. I binged it last week and found it terribly depressing but so realistic. I had avoided the book because when it came out in the UK there was so much publicity around it, it immediately put me off. But now I want to read the book… I had wondered how faithful the adaptation was to the book and am glad to hear the book is more comic.
Thank you for the tip! (I had a bit of time on my hands as we were isolating during the week, so I ripped through it). It’s not a faithful adaption (I have no memory of Shruti in the book, who is obviously instrumental in the series), but I did read it a few years ago. Maybe leave a little time before picking up the book, but it is certainly worth a read.
Oh, the Shruti storyline destroyed me 😭
Same. Sobbed.
I was wondering whether to watch this and I think no. It sounds a really stressful watch! I might read the book, I’ve seen Adam Kaye interviewed and he was funny, and didn’t seem bitter.
The series has some difficult themes, that simply aren’t presented in the book in the same way. Obviously I have no experience of the NHS, but I think the book gave me a fair idea!
I loved the book but gave up on the series after episode two, it didn’t flow and wasn’t funny. Maybe the production team had their own agenda.
We almost gave up for the same reason. I’m glad that we stuck with it, though. It found a humanity that was lacking in the first two episodes and became deeply moving.
Yes, I agree! Took a bit to get the balance between humour and bitterness right.
I realise you’re unlikely to go back once abandoned, but it really picks up after episode three, and there’s another story thread that becomes significant (but also very sad).
I haven’t read the book yet. I’m glad to know that Adam is more likeable on the page. I was astounded by how badly he comes across in the drama, given that he was a producer and had a cameo scene. That said, once it found its feet, I enjoyed the tv series – if being provoked into reflection on the big things in life can be called enjoyment.
I didn’t know he had a cameo – might have to go back and rewatch!
He’s a cyclist who gets to swear at his telly self. It’s very brief, but must have been a satisfying part to play!
I enjoyed the book – it had the right balance of humour and seriousness. But I was put off from watching the series because it sounded as if it had a lot more of a comic aspect.
It was the opposite Karen. The series had some dark humour but overall was very sad.
I had been thinking of watching this one…