A review by jessicajane
Blood: A Biography of the Stuff of Life by Lawrence Hill

4.0

Far from being just another biology book (as I expected it to be), this is a comprehensive review of the role of blood in various societies through the ages. Hill examines the symbolism attributed to blood in everything from ancient Aztec culture and the Old Testament to evolving taboos and misconceptions about menstrual blood in modern history. He tells the story of medicinal discoveries about circulation, blood types, blood storage and transfusions and the complexities of blood doping in sport. He also discusses metaphorical ideas about blood such as race, dynasties and hereditary monarchies. I was particularly interested in Hills thoughts on race and identity. He speaks of being born to a black father and white mother and the intricacies of his identity as a mixed race Canadian, as well as the subsequent identities of his children. This book also extensively examines the myriad of societies throughout history that have used unfounded notions about blood to justify discrimination, racism, slavery and genocide. Hill eloquently writes about the absurdity of the ideas that led to these atrocities and how elements of them continue to prevail in society today. A very interesting book, inviting us to examine our own ideas about blood in all elements of life.