On Being Ill

The global pandemic has taught us to cope with sickness, but illness remains an unpopular theme in literature. This collaborative volume explores past, present, and future thinking about illness, with notable contributions from Deryn Rees-Jones and Audre Lorde. Writing and reading about illness is a form of love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 17 January 2022
Publisher: The Menard Press

The world has been grappling with a global pandemic that has brought about a range of challenges, including illness, isolation, immunity, loss of control, and recovery. While illness has become less taboo in literature, it still remains an unpopular theme. In her essay, "On Being Ill," Virginia Woolf questions whether illness should not receive more literary attention, alongside the recurring themes of love, battle, and jealousy.

Woolf's essay is a profound exploration of the complexities of illness, and its subtle nuances will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come. This collaborative volume brings together authors, translators, and illustrators from Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, and the Netherlands to explore past, present, and future thinking about illness. Noteworthy contributions to this edition include Deryn Rees-Jones' preface to Woolf's essay from 1926 and the introduction to Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals of 1980.

Against these historical perspectives, the voices of contemporary authors shine as they contemplate the intersections between sickness and literature. Readers can approach the book in a variety of ways, starting at the end or choosing to begin in the middle, as each contribution is a unique and personal piece that offers poignant observations of the world of illness from within. Writing and reading about illness is a form of love, a way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

In conclusion, the global pandemic has brought about a renewed appreciation for the complexities of illness and its impact on individuals and society. This collaborative volume offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights into the world of illness, and it serves as a testament to the power of literature to explore and understand the human condition. As we continue to navigate the challenges of this pandemic, may we continue to seek out works of literature that shed light on the experiences of illness and inspire us to compassion and empathy for one another.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 208 x 134 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781874320777