Suzie Edge’s Vital Organs was a quick and fluffy read that explores body parts literally from tip to toe through the exploration of various famous tales of some of history’s most fascinating people. From Van Gogh to Louis Quatorze to everyday figures with rare conditions, people’s bodies have never fit any mold. In that diversity of conditions and types there are stories to be told, and Edge tells them with verve and humour. It’s not a hard slog but nor is it entirely mindless. From time to time the author’s expertise pokes through as she explains a facet of genetics or biochem or anatomy, and it’s when the book is at its best. The short chapters and light lifting make great bedtime reading, though; a weightier tome on some of the grosser stories might be a question of taking care with what you ask for! 3/5