Passionate and personal, these stories are narrated by a distinguished trauma surgeon, whose patients have been healed by his humanism and healing touch as much as they have been by his medical acumen. In his second book, Dr Brijeshwar Singh touches upon matters of life and death with unflinching truthfulness and endearing honesty. Dr Singh’s narrative is defined by simplicity, in stark contrast to the complex medical issues that many of the stories feature. In a world where truth can be stranger than fiction, these stories tread the fine line between the two. From a 102-year-old nawab who served in the British Army to a girl who wouldn’t let anything—not even her scarred and broken limbs—break her spirit. From accidents to genetic defects, from the dusty by-lanes of small towns to big-city blues; from hope to despair; stigmas and acceptance; life, death and the unknown beyond, these stories are engrossing, riveting and vital. With a foreword by the celebrated Urdu poet Wasim Barelvi, the book ends with a touching tribute to the frontline warriors who continue to battle the deadliest global pandemic.