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tjack22's review against another edition
5.0
Rebecca Skloot's "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" masterfully combines informative medical history with a compelling narrative, making it a captivating read from start to finish.
Skloot delves into the medical procedures and treatments of the first half of the 20th century, painting a vivid picture that is both fascinating and horrifying. The story of Henrietta Lacks’ cancer treatment and her daughter Elsie's harrowing experiences in the asylum were particularly striking, resonating deeply due to my own struggles with seizures and reflecting on how treatment approaches have evolved.
Deborah Lacks' journey was equally moving. Her profound longing for the mother she never knew and her quest for understanding were heartbreakingly poignant. Despite facing constant barriers to comprehending the complex medical information about her mother, Deborah channeled her frustration into determination, aiming to improve her own life and inspire Henrietta’s great-grandchildren to do the same.
The emotional depth of this book is remarkable. Skloot presents various recollections and perspectives evenly, but her empathy for the Lacks family is evident throughout. This supportive stance enriches the narrative, making it not just a story about science and ethics, but a deeply human tale of loss, discovery, and resilience.
In sum, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is an enlightening and emotionally powerful book that honors the legacy of Henrietta Lacks while shedding light on important issues in medical ethics and history.
book_busy's review against another edition
4.0
A moving and incredibly informative dive into the lives of Henrietta and her children. Fascinating to read but also heart rending in the injustices suffered by the Lacks family due to lack of legislation, racial discrimination and poverty.
geekmom's review against another edition
4.5
This is a compulsively readable nonfiction book - it reads like a novel, or a thriller. It is deeply disquieting and uncovers some stark and unpleasant realities about American society. The author's respect for the family of Henrietta Lacks and her desire to tell their story in accordance with their wishes is obvious throughout the book and really does her credit - she sets an example that I would love to see more nonfiction writers follow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Medical trauma, Medical content, and Racism