Review: Resurrection Lily by Amy Byer Shainman

The complex and painful decisions surrounding breast cancer are explored in intimate detail in Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew, a raw and impactful memoir by Amy Byer Shainman.

Cancer can often seem like a constant threat, but there are some people at dramatically increased risks, especially women with a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene. After discovering that she possesses a gene mutation that greatly increases her changes of developing breast cancer, Shainman comes to terms with this looming threat and embarks on an inspiring journey of research, sorrow, reflection, and courage, continuing to educate others on this frighteningly common condition.

It is easy to categorize this book as a memoir about cancer, but in fact, this story is about something very different – the relationships we form with our own bodies, and how those relationships change over time. As Shainman struggles with illness all around her – and making impossibly hard decisions for family members – her own hereditary fears loom large. She undergoes a preemptive mastectomy to eliminate her risk, and then the narrative takes another turn, showing her becoming more and more involved in advocacy for and awareness of BRCA mutations – a hereditary genetic condition that affects an estimated 1 in 600 women.

This story arc may not sound all that unusual, but the richness with which the author shares her story stands out from other memoirs on this subject. Shainman is relatable and vulnerable and flawed and human, giving us a raw glimpse of her emotional turmoil and inner demons as she swings from anger and sadness to acceptance and resilience. The inclusion of emails between family members and other intimate details adds color and depth, so it doesn’t take long before readers are firmly rooted in Shainman’s corner. Reading such a blow by blow from a tumultuous chapter of the author’s life feels nearly voyeuristic, at times, as we are granted seemingly unfettered access to her life and its darkest moments.

This book also spares no detail when it comes to medical procedures and consultations, creating a visceral reflection of the medical industry – the redundancy, frustrations, and disappointments, as well as the quiet heroes that may just change your life. Shainman wants to paint an accurate picture of the personal and bureaucratic struggles associated with BRAC conditions, and she succeeds admirably. Her memoir is not only inspiring, but also deeply informative, making it a valuable resource for any reader, particularly those with a family history of related conditions.

Perhaps most of all, Shainman’s story is a powerful reminder of Plato’s classic adage: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. For readers who have suffered with their own cancer battles or chronic illnesses, this type of raw narrative honesty will be cathartic. The author’s empowering and transformative journey stands as a testament to how intricately linked our bodies and minds truly are, and how the unpredictable nature of life is often what guides us to our true purpose.

A moving, informative, and powerful memoir, Resurrection Lily is highly recommended for its combination of practical tools and poignant honesty.