About the book
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer whose cancer cells became one of the most important tools in medicine. Rebecca Skloot takes the reader on an extraordinary journey in search of Henrietta’s story.
Reviewed by Bookends
We found this book to be informative but not a page turner. An amazing story with insights into racist behaviour; lack of information at the time to give consent with the positive side of research which may not have happened otherwise. Well written and researched.
Star rating ***
Review by Arle Reading Group
A stimulating read, raising important issues about which few of us are aware. These include racism, medical ethics and scientific research as well as the history of mental health institutions.
Star rating ***