Life In His Hands

A true story of a neurosurgeon and a pianist

In 2001 the brilliant young concert pianist Aaron McMillan was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour and given six weeks to live. He was just 24 years old.

He underwent 12 hours of emergency surgery; days later he was back at the piano, preparing to perform.

Years later, he was still performing.

His doctor was Charlie Teo, one of Australia's most celebrated and controversial neurosurgeons. Charlie's specialty is inoperable brain tumours and his radical techniques have earned him praise around the world. But in his own country he is regarded by some as reckless and even dangerous.

Aaron McMillan presented Charlie with his most challenging case yet. In return, Charlie Teo gave Aaron hope.

Life In His Hands is the remarkable true story of a medical maverick and an artist who refused to be daunted by death. It is a book full of heartache and joy and scientific marvels, written by a journalist who found that with some stories, staying on the sidelines is the hardest thing to do.

About the Author

In her career as a journalist, Susan Wyndham has been editor of Good Weekend magazine, New York correspondent for The Australian newspaper, a deputy editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and a senior writer on books and culture. She is currently literary editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun Herald and lives in Sydney with her husband.