The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde (1980): A Review

Title: The Cancer Journals 

Author: Audre Lorde 

Publication Year: 1980

Pages: 69 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Genre: Memoir, essays 

Source: Paperback book

“The Cancer Journals,” a memoir by Audre Lorde, is a profoundly poetic exploration of her battle with breast cancer, reflecting on her experiences before and after her mastectomy. In these pages, Lorde intimately shares her fears and sorrows, merging her personal journals with insightful essays that connect her journey. Through her powerful words, she seeks to redefine herself in the wake of surgery, yearning for voices that resonate with her frustrations and anxieties.

As she searches for understanding and companionship in her struggles, she is met with a daunting silence. Rather than succumbing to this isolation, Lorde bravely chooses to become a voice for others, advocating for those who feel unheard—especially Black, lesbian, and feminist women in the 1980s. This memoir is more than just a narrative about coping with cancer; it serves as a critical examination of the medical establishment and its focus on treatment rather than prevention, an approach that could have saved many lives. It also calls against society's tendency to push women into the shadows, urging them to conform to narrow definitions of beauty and normalcy after such life-altering experiences. It is important to note that she is not judging or criticizing women for their choices after mastectomy.

When I approached this book, I was armed with pens, highlighters, and sticky notes, ready to capture the essence of Lorde's journey. However, after reading the first paragraph, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion—how could I possibly highlight just a few lines of such heartfelt prose? In that moment, I set aside my annotations and surrendered to the beauty of her words, allowing myself to fully embrace the depth of her pain and resilience.

For anyone who has faced an illness—whether chronic or life-threatening—that has shaken both body and spirit, Lorde's narrative may evoke a deep sense of familiarity with your own struggles. Yes, it is a challenging read—one that forces you to confront raw emotions and even relive them—but it is also undeniably essential. As you turn the pages, you find yourself journeying alongside Lorde, reliving the despair, anxiety, and frustration that accompany such trials. Yet through this vicarious experience, you discover a meaningful connection and an understanding that transcends pain.

Lorde’s resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure, even in the darkest hours. While I can only imagine the depths of suffering that she and others have faced, her writing illuminates the possibility of survival amidst horror. This book is not just an account of survival; it is a testament to the strength that we can find in shared experiences. If you approach it with an open heart, you may find solace and empathy—a reminder that, while the journey through illness is fraught with challenges, you are not alone.