Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship

by Jean Hannah Edelstein

In this short, striking memoir, Jean Hannah Edelstein charts the course of her unexpectedly brief relationship with breasts.

As she comes of age, she learns that breasts are a source of both shame and power. In early motherhood, she sees her breasts transform into a source of sustenance and a locus of pain. And then, all too soon, she is faced with a diagnosis and forced to confront what it means to lose and rebuild an essential part of yourself.

Funny and moving, elegant and furious and full of heart, Breasts is an original and indispensable read. It is both an intimate account of one woman's relationship with her own body and a universally relatable story for anyone who has ever had - or lost - breasts.

Genres: Biography Memoir

112 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Jean Hannah Edelstein is a writer who lives in Brooklyn. She writes regularly for outlets including the Guardian and The Pool, and a weekly newsletter, which Vogue said 'pops up in your inbox like lucid dreaming.' She also writes marketing emails for tech companies, so you've probably deleted her work.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Edelstein’s 2018 memoir This Really Isn’t About You, and I regularly read her Substack. This micro-memoir in three essays explores the different roles breasts have played in her life: “Sex” runs from the day she went shopping for her first bra as a teenager with her mother through to her early thirties living in London. Edelstein developed early and eventually wore size DD, which attracted much unwanted attention in social situations and workplaces alike. (And not just a slightly sleazy bar she worked in, but an office, too. Twice she was groped by colleagues; the second time she reported it. But: drunk, Christmas party, no witnesses; no consequences.) “It felt like a punishment, a consequence of my own behavior (being a woman, having a fun night out, doing these things while having large breasts),” she writes.

“Food” recounts how her perspective on her breasts changed when she had her two children via IVF – so they wouldn’t inherit Lynch syndrome from her – and initially struggled to breastfeed. “I wanted to experience the full utility of my breasts,” she explains, so, living in Brooklyn now, she consulted a lactation consultant known as “the breast whisperer.” Part 3 is “Cancer”: when Edelstein was 41, mammograms discovered Stage 0 cancer in one breast. “For so long I’d been subject to unwelcome opinions about the kind of person that I was because of the size of my breasts.” But now it was up to her. She chose a double mastectomy for balance, with simultaneous reconstruction by a plastic surgeon.

Although this is a likable book, the retelling is quite flat; better that than mawkish, certainly, but none of the experiences feel particularly unique. It’s more a generic rundown of what it’s like to be female – which, yes, varies to an extent but not that much if we’re talking about the male gaze. There wasn’t the same spark or wit that I found in Edelstein’s first book. Perhaps in the context of a longer memoir, I would have appreciated these essays more.

Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author discusses her relationship with her breasts and their impact on her through three stages of life: sex, food, and cancer. As she matures, she realizes the effect of breasts on herself and others. As a young mother, breasts acquire a new significance and bring their own set of challenges. Finally, as someone diagnosed with breast cancer facing a mastectomy, she comes to terms with the harsh reality. She has the added burden of dealing with a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the likelihood of different types of cancer.

Although this is a very personal memoir, there is something in this short read for which every woman can relate at some point in her life. Divided into three sections, the final, “cancer”, is particularly poignant and brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @phoenix_books for the DRC.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to read an honest account of a relationship with breasts. I was diagnosed 3 months ago at 44, and I had a double mastectomy 2 months ago, (left for the cancer, right to keep me from tipping over or walking in circles) and it has been a rollercoaster. I use dark humor to cope, so it was nice to read something that I personally relate to, without it trying to inspire me or to live laugh love 🤮

Thank you, NetGalley and Mobius Books, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

[Robyn Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect book for me to end 2025 with (it will probably be the last book I finish this year). If I wrote a book about all the hundreds of hours I spent thinking about breasts this year, this would be The Book. It was so relatable, so accessible, and so just TRUE. The chapters were "Sex", "Food", and "Cancer". I only wish that there was a little more in the last chapter about her decision-making process that convinced her that implants were right for her. Cause I really struggled with the "boobs or no boobs" debate and the "why boobs?" questions. I wonder how I would've felt if I had read it while I was in the throes of breast cancer this summer, but also maybe a little distance meant that I could appreciate it in a different way. Thank you Jean Hannah Edelstein for writing this book for all of us!

[Jodie Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Breasts: a relatively brief relationship’ is an important book. At 100 pages, the writing is relatable, visceral, and funny. It’s also angry, and frustrated, and filled with longing.
Set into three parts (Sex, Food, Cancer), Edelstein deftly hones in on the complicated relationships many have with their breasts. This is an emotive book, one to read quickly. When I received it, I sat and read it cover to cover, unwilling to pause between sections. Edelstein takes you through the full range of emotions, talking about some difficult subjects – sexual harassment, breastfeeding, breast cancer – whilst still managing to infuse each with a sweet, knowing humour. Breasts reads like an older friend talking you through everything that might happen throughout your lifetime.
I think anyone would struggle to not recognise themselves in at least one section of Edelstein’s book. It’s also just wonderfully written – the writing is confident and intimate, and grips you immediately, from the very first page. This is a book everyone should read, one to keep on the shelf and lend to the important people in your life. I’m thankful that I’ve read it.

☀️

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was immensely personal and yet completely relatable (I too have breasts, and a lot of mixed feelings about them). The writing was accessible and well-crafted, it almost felt like hearing a personal story from a friend.

While I enjoyed the first two parts, the final part will stick with me the most I think. I can relate to the author’s unexpected early cancer diagnosis, and although I didn’t have breast cancer, the way she spoke about the shock of it resonated with me.

Breasts are such a complicated body feature, and I think this book did a good job of touching upon the many facets of what it means to have breasts, how society perceives breasts, and what it means to lose them.

This was quite short, but I appreciated that. I suspect the author is not done yet thinking about her breasts, and that this was a snapshot of her perspective, and that feels right for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Melisse Gelula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing on a subject of much (often very public) commentary! Its <100 pages will resonate for anyone who’s experienced their breasts as “a source of shame and power...a source of sustenance and a locus of pain.” Divided into three sections, SEX, FOOD, and CANCER, it’s for readers of Melissa Febos’ essays on developing early in Girlhood, Matrescence author Lucy Jones on breastfeeding, and Suleika Jaouad’s cancer essays. Edelstein is honest, witty, and brave. I could see this book being gifted, woman to woman. I’m so glad I read it! Oct 2025 Memoiring Book Club Pick

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp-witted, funny, and a delight to read. Just like her first memoir, Jean Edelstein’s “Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship” is at times light, at times serous, and is the perfect balance of both. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s had — or lost — breasts.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very revealing look at the relationship the author has to her breasts, from early objectifying to more complicated medical issues. Written with a very candid, open voice. Often funny but ultimately very revealing.

[JJ Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[Allison boozy bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to be granted access to this poignant title by British-American author Jean Hannah Edelstein. “Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship” is a fantastically written memoir, primarily about the author’s complicated relationship with her breasts. However, this book was far from the typical “so-this-happened-to-me” memoir. It functions on several levels, most notably on an emotional, societal and political level, as the author describes her personally particular plight of being a modern woman living in her body in a man’s world. After enduring years of embarrassing catcalls and unwanted attention from the opposite sex as a young woman living in America and eventually abroad, Edelstein eventually comes to accept that her breasts often define her in ways that she’s not entirely comfortable with. What makes her story interesting is that her discomfort is often tempered with the realization that she quite enjoys her breasts and their larger-than-life presence. In other words, she knows that while they bring her unwanted attention and circumspection, they also provide her erotic and emotional joy. Just when she’s coming to terms with the impact her breasts have had on her emotional and mental health, and the ways she’s been able to provide for her children as a breastfeeding mother, she’s given a heartbreaking diagnosis that changes her breast journey forever. The memoir is broken up into three sections, “Sex,” “Food,” and “Cancer,” highlighting the specific ways her breasts have been categorized throughout her life. This was a deftly-written memoir about one woman’s struggle to accept herself and her body, as she ventures through uncharted territory in each of these life phases. I highly recommend this memoir to any person who wants to better understand the impact that our bodies can potentially play in the public and private spheres. I am so happy that I was able to read this book, and I am happy to give it 5 full stars.

[veronica p · Rating 5 out of 5]

gosh. i have really been struggling with non-fiction lately and this was refreshingly, achingly brilliant. concise, sharp, tender, unapologetic, never wasting a word. the first two thirds were painfully relatable and the last third has made me swear to rock these big tits harder and cherish them more 💛💛

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, honest, and relatable.
Wishing all the best to the author as she grows into her new body.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was excellent!
It's an amazingly accurate depiction of what life is like growing up as a woman.
I thought it was also a really clever way to demonstrate the struggles of the female experience, through the story of Jean's boobs!
The book takes you on an emotional journey, highlighting the highs and the lows, the unfairness of being born into a body that is constantly seen through juxtapositions; you must have big boobs, but not show them off , feed your baby, but not where people can see, prioritise life, but don't make your husband live a life without boobs.

There's so much important messaging throughout the book, and the author clearly has a great understanding on how to write in an accurate, and relatable way.

Immediately passing this book on to a relative who wants to read it next!

[Reisse Myy Fredericks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately well written and relatable, this book was nonetheless hard to reconcile: its subject matter felt universal, but rarely new. The author’s privilege, while central to her experience, remained largely unacknowledged, softening what could have been a more incisive work. A pleasant read—nothing groundbreaking—but one that might have benefited from a sharper critical edge rather than simply a caustic tone.

At times it reminded me of Emily Ratajkowski’s memoir (Korean spa reflections included), and like that book, I found myself wanting more sociological reflection. Still, it’s an interesting, forthcoming work—one that moves with an ease that makes its honesty, if not its originality, worthwhile.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir. It was a stark reminder of how wild and different the 90s were as a woman. I continually found interesting and original perspectives throughout the book. While the topics are heavy, Edelstein uses humor to great effect throughout the hard time. Also major props to the book jacket designer - I found it even more delightful to read as a result!

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of one woman’s relationship with her breasts.

Let’s me be clear, I am not a mother, nor have I ever wanted to be and I’m not a great lover of memoir so a book that is a memoir with a third of its text related to breastfeeding was a book I was not expecting to engage with. It isn’t possible to stress how wrong I was. Breasts is a magnificent volume that ought to be compulsory reading for everyone. I thought it was astonishingly good.

I loved the structure and tone of Jean Hannah Edelstein’s writing. The three sections felt part of the dramatic tradition of a three act play and the build up to the author’s diagnosis of cancer follows that traditional narrative arc perfectly. But this isn’t fiction. It’s one woman’s experience of life in relation to her breasts told with honesty, humour, self-deprecating awareness and in a style that is accessible and gripping. I read this slim volume in one sitting because it held my attention so completely. The prose is sparse and yet all encompassing. The simple repetition of a phrase or a rhetorical question conveys profound meaning. This is a masterclass of understated writing and deeply affecting to read.

With the author’s first person voice ringing through the text it feels as if the reader is listening to a very dear friend relating aspects of their life. Jean Hannah Edelstein comes across as a kind of Everywoman. She represents compliance and subversion, rage and acceptance, fear and bravery. I thought not only was Breasts fantastic, but the author probably is too.

Reading Breasts ensures the reader contemplates just what is important in life, illustrating how a slight change of interpretation can completely invert how we might feel. It made me rage for the sexism and misogyny some women have encountered. It educated me about motherhood. It made me laugh and it made me shed a tear. Above all, it captivated me completely. Breasts is a book that, through one woman’s perspective, shines a light on the whole of society and our expectations in the western world.

It feels a privilege to have read Breasts and I’d urge anyone to read it. It’s fantastic.

[Eliz S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not what I thought it was about lol I didn’t realize it was like a memoir of sorts. It was ok. Kinda disjointed in my opinion but also relatable, how large breasts make you automatically so much more sexualized

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In three essays (Sex, Food, Cancer), Edelstein surveys the major roles breasts have played in her life. This memoir is a quick read (100 pages) but packs a punch. I was particularly interested in reading the third essay (Cancer) and appreciated Edelstein's reflections on her genetic condition (Lynch syndrome), diagnosis, treatment, etc. Her reflections on the accompanying complicated emotions and decisions are raw, real, and relatable.

Thank you to Mobius Books | Phoenix and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #Breasts #NetGalley

[Alisi Arbon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always love reading about boobs.

[Clare McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but packs a punch—a memoir of growing up full-chested, coping with breastfeeding woes, and a tough diagnosis. Observant, caustic, courageous.

[&rea Suven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried towards the end.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful book, for sharing your story.