Cancer in Two Voices

by Sandra Butler, Barbara Rosenblum

Book by Butler, Sandra, Rosenblum, Barbara

Genres: LGBT, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book, though if I hadn't seen the documentary by the same name, I might not have made it through the beginning. In the film the couple's openness and closeness is apparent throughout. In the book it shows up later. It is especially vivid in the chapter about Barbara making her will and some of the introspection it prompts in each partner. Though they had been coupled for quite a while, there had been no ceremony. But after Barbara's diagnosis, she and Sandy created a ceremony meant to include their Jewish and non-Jewish friends, their professional friends and friends from the lesbian community.

It is a book of journal entries, some by the partner with cancer and some by the partner without. Because Barbara's breast cancer was misdiagnosed when she first noticed a lump, there was no early detection. By the time it was diagnosed it was aggressive and already metastasizing. While the book is about coping with cancer and eventually about both coping with Barbara's dying, it is about much more. It is about life, about community, about family, about communication, about loving.

[Shannon Wyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book about one couple's struggle with breast cancer. This book is wonderfully and painfully honest. And part of its value comes from its two points of view: woman with breast cancer and her partner. Each voice is distinct, unique, and equally valuable.

I can find nothing to criticize about "Cancer in Two Voices," and that's unusual for me.

My thanks to Butler and Rosenblum for being willing to so courageously share their story with the world. I will undoubtedly be recommending this book to anyone i know with a terminal cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.

And, yeah: Fuck Cancer.

[Lieve Snellings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, tender, and full of life - after cancer diagnose

After Barbara Rosenblum was diagnosed with cancer, she and her life partner, author Sandra Butler, began keeping a journal about what this diagnosis did to them. I first thought of a book about dying, but no, it's about how that cancer makes them experience life in all its intensity. This is the combination of both diaries.

Heartbreaking, but beautiful and tender and warm, and support from the world around them. Reading this book has given me so much. Highly recommended!

[Alclint Calib-og · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good. I appreciate barbara and sandy's effort in writing this book that can inspire and love life. Cancer is deadly to human beings and always put into mind that our body is a the temple of God.

[J.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books--about life and love--I have ever read.

[Natalie Matuella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but definitely not one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful story, but also heart breaking to follow these two women on their cancer journey together.

[Marks House]

2 copies