The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a memoir and science book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells became a multimillion-dollar industry and one of the most important tools in medicine. Her family did not learn of her 'immortality until more than twenty years after her death, with devastating consequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a captivating blend of memoir and science that delves into the remarkable tale of how one woman's cells have saved countless lives. This captivating story has now been transformed into an HBO film, featuring the talents of Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne. Renowned author Hilary Mantel has hailed this book as a "fascinating, harrowing, necessary read."

Henrietta Lacks, whose real name was Henrietta Lacks, was born into poverty as a black tobacco farmer. However, her cancer cells, taken without her consent, would go on to achieve extraordinary significance. These cells became a multi-million-dollar industry and one of the most important tools in medicine. It is remarkable that Henrietta's family remained unaware of her "immortality" for over twenty years after her death, which had profound consequences.

Rebecca Skloots, the author of this captivating account, takes us on an extraordinary journey to explore the life and afterlife of Henrietta Lacks. She skillfully blends the beauty and drama of scientific discovery with profound questions about the ownership of our bodies and the ethical implications of medical research. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a testament to the power of one woman's story and the enduring impact she has had on the medical world.

Henrietta's cells, known as HeLa, have been used in groundbreaking medical research, leading to significant advancements in cancer treatment, genetics, and reproductive science. They have helped to unravel the mysteries of cancer and have contributed to the development of life-saving treatments. However, the lack of informed consent and the exploitation of Henrietta's cells by researchers have raised important ethical questions about the rights of individuals and the responsibility of scientists.

The story of Henrietta Lacks also sheds light on the historical and societal factors that contributed to her marginalization and exploitation. She was a black woman from a poor rural community, and her cells were taken without her knowledge or consent. This highlights the ongoing disparities in healthcare and the need for greater inclusivity and equity in medical research.

In conclusion, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a profound and thought-provoking book that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the human body. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of scientific discovery. Through the story of Henrietta Lacks, we gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of medical research and the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035038619