Reviews

I really liked Part One of the book which focused on Henrietta's life. When the focus shifted to the history of the science behind HeLa cells and the difficulties with Henrietta's kids, I had many moments of "I am so bored, what am I listening to?!" and struggled to focus.

mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition

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4.0

Well written balance between science and growing up during the latter half of the Northern migration. Unfortunately I can say I've never in my life heard of the Hela cells so I came in with no background. The scientific discoveries made by possible by the cells from this poor woman has led to substantial discoveries of vaccines and other disease prevention methods, so that is absolutely no small feat. The real life story of Henrietta's descendants is eye opening and tragic. And the author is between two worlds emotionally, so I can understand her difficulty in balancing them out. The only issue I had was her point of view which was overly sympathetic to the scientific needs for people's cell. The Court says that once cells have been excised from the patient, then they are no longer the patient's property, and they may replicate them and sell them as a private enterprise, even gaining patents unknowingly to the patient. I have an issue with this, morally. But I have never asked for my blood back from hospitals after tests have been administered either. Fascinating read, I learned alot but also left me with many questions about myself.

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