I've wanted to read this since it won the Giller and simultaneously seemed to piss off most of the people I know who had read it. Not because it's bad, but because many people didn't think it deserved the prize.

It is certainly a strange piece. Very simply written, and focusing on the plot in each vignette it is surprising how the plot is filled with gaps. I get the feeling that is represents the disconnected relationship between doctor and patient, and how as individuals we can only see part of the story.

I would have liked it more if at least one of the characters was well-rounded, and had a plot arc. The book isn't quite disconnected enough to be short-stories but I appreciate the pushing of those literary boundaries.

All in all though, I can't say that I'm any better for reading it, and besides thinking about how doctors sitting down to talk to you is just a ruse, doubt my world or mind will be much affected by this book.