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Seven Year Summer: A Memoir
Finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Awards.
While in her early-30s, Anna Byrne was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. Over the next seven years, she endured four relapses, two stem cell transplants, and spent over 2,000 hours in Canadian hospitals. In 2014, she was given two years to live. Despite the odds, Anna left treatment cancer-free. She became a hospice volunteer and met Eleanor, a woman in her 70s whose death was imminent, and the two formed an unlikely friendship. Part memoir, medical guide, and spiritual text, Seven Year Summer explores the nuances of healing and hope amidst the struggle to survive.
Jacqueline Kim is a multi-award-winning artist, filmmaker, and composer. Moved by this meaningful work, Kim returned to acting to narrate and to create a sound score under special moments in the book.
While in her early-30s, Anna Byrne was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. Over the next seven years, she endured four relapses, two stem cell transplants, and spent over 2,000 hours in Canadian hospitals. In 2014, she was given two years to live. Despite the odds, Anna left treatment cancer-free. She became a hospice volunteer and met Eleanor, a woman in her 70s whose death was imminent, and the two formed an unlikely friendship. Part memoir, medical guide, and spiritual text, Seven Year Summer explores the nuances of healing and hope amidst the struggle to survive.
Jacqueline Kim is a multi-award-winning artist, filmmaker, and composer. Moved by this meaningful work, Kim returned to acting to narrate and to create a sound score under special moments in the book.
- GenresMemoir
Audible Audio
Published February 11, 2022
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 31, 2022
There are no photos from that trip to South America, and because I travelled with the man that I thought was my soul mate, I wasn't journaling either. I only know the month and year because Barack Obama was elected the day we arrived in Quito: November of 2008. Following a week of Spanish immersion in the city and then an exploration of the Galapagos Islands, we moved on to Lima and then Cuzco in Peru.
It was there that we happened into a popular cafe after exploring the town, backpacking and traveling by train to Machu Picchu, and then returning for a night and bent on a bite to eat before our departure for Lake Titicaca. The group at the table next to ours spoke English and included a young baby.
Naturally, we introduced ourselves and exchanged stories. The group were from Canada and consisted of mostly family: twin brothers, a wife and baby, a close friend of the family - and Anna Byrne. It was one of those precious encounters with which the intrepid traveller is familiar: fast friends - that you'll never see again.
But days later, following a remarkable visit to the people who live on floating grass islands on Lake Titicaca, we found it necessary to abort a plan to cross the border into Bolivia. Plan B: board a bus for the long journey to Arequipa, Peru. We secured a hotel room in the city of gleaming white stone and left to explore the area on foot. And as we walked down the sidewalk of a city we'd never even dreamed of visiting, suddenly we heard someone calling our names!
We guided the newly arrived Canadians to our hotel, and shared transport and a great time to the Valley of the Condors the next day.
Anna Byrne and I did not become bosom buddies.. She remained only on the fringes of my consciousness: I heard that she'd returned to Canada after breaking an arm, and then I had vague news of a cancer diagnosis through Caring Bridge at some point. When my "soul mate" ended our relationship, I happened to see Anna's Facebook post which mentioned the song: Hallelujah. (The story is told in the book.) I'd never heard it before, but I sobbed - wailed - and grieved for an entire day as the song played over and over and over again. (It is now my favorite song.)
And then, on Goodreads.com, I saw that Anna had captured her story in "Seven Year Summer". Intrigued, particularly by the serendipitous collision of our lives, I decided to purchase the book. I simply wanted to offer support for this fledgling author whom I'd chanced upon in my travels.
Little did I expect the profundity of "Seven Year Summer". Anna's writing is real, it's honest, it's insightful. Her ability to produce, juggle, and manage the written word is nothing short of magic. Anna's wisdom is that of one who has walked the talk, but more than that, hers is an old soul.
Thank you, Anna Byrne, for the gift of you..
It was there that we happened into a popular cafe after exploring the town, backpacking and traveling by train to Machu Picchu, and then returning for a night and bent on a bite to eat before our departure for Lake Titicaca. The group at the table next to ours spoke English and included a young baby.
Naturally, we introduced ourselves and exchanged stories. The group were from Canada and consisted of mostly family: twin brothers, a wife and baby, a close friend of the family - and Anna Byrne. It was one of those precious encounters with which the intrepid traveller is familiar: fast friends - that you'll never see again.
But days later, following a remarkable visit to the people who live on floating grass islands on Lake Titicaca, we found it necessary to abort a plan to cross the border into Bolivia. Plan B: board a bus for the long journey to Arequipa, Peru. We secured a hotel room in the city of gleaming white stone and left to explore the area on foot. And as we walked down the sidewalk of a city we'd never even dreamed of visiting, suddenly we heard someone calling our names!
We guided the newly arrived Canadians to our hotel, and shared transport and a great time to the Valley of the Condors the next day.
Anna Byrne and I did not become bosom buddies.. She remained only on the fringes of my consciousness: I heard that she'd returned to Canada after breaking an arm, and then I had vague news of a cancer diagnosis through Caring Bridge at some point. When my "soul mate" ended our relationship, I happened to see Anna's Facebook post which mentioned the song: Hallelujah. (The story is told in the book.) I'd never heard it before, but I sobbed - wailed - and grieved for an entire day as the song played over and over and over again. (It is now my favorite song.)
And then, on Goodreads.com, I saw that Anna had captured her story in "Seven Year Summer". Intrigued, particularly by the serendipitous collision of our lives, I decided to purchase the book. I simply wanted to offer support for this fledgling author whom I'd chanced upon in my travels.
Little did I expect the profundity of "Seven Year Summer". Anna's writing is real, it's honest, it's insightful. Her ability to produce, juggle, and manage the written word is nothing short of magic. Anna's wisdom is that of one who has walked the talk, but more than that, hers is an old soul.
Thank you, Anna Byrne, for the gift of you..
September 15, 2019
Insightful, compassionate, deeply moving and personal reflection on life and death from a writer unafraid to share her own challenges dealing with a life-threatening illness. In a parallel narrative the author invites us to share her experience as a hospice volunteer while comforting an elderly woman in her final days. Beautiful written in a simple style that never overpowers, but creates an authentic and compelling voice, guiding us through the powerful and life-changing experiences. A fine work.
July 22, 2022
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It is engaging, yet has an almost meditative feel to it. There is one chapter that discusses chronos and kairos, and this book feels like the embodiment of kairos. It hops around to small vignettes of life, predominantly jumping forward and backward between the author's journey with cancer, and her time spent with Eleanor in hospice. It touches on moments both large and small, evoking contemplation of life and connection.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the imagery, I think that is part of what made it feel so meditative. The author highlights a few small details in many of the quieter scenes: the sounds, the smells, patterns of breath, colours and textures of skin, drawing me further into the moment. Many of these moments are made even richer by Jacqueline Kim’s gentle narration and composition, with music almost trickling into your consciousness at key points. Early in the book, Anna describes a road trip across Canada. I am Canadian myself and could picture the scenery described, often finding myself smiling because I have made similar trips and can call those same images to mind.
The book approaches life and death with honesty. Living and dying are portrayed as both beautiful and inelegant. She doesn't shy away from the ups and the downs of the whole process. Anna's journey with cancer is rough, but there are still moments of love, beauty, and hope. Her time with Eleanor is brief, but the connection she builds with this woman is so rich. There were times I laughed, cried, felt distress and felt comfort.
I have to admit, I think the Eleanor chapters were my favourite. There is so much light in those chapters. So much contained in such a transient connection. The little pieces of Ellie's last days that Anna got to experience, and now us by extension, are so full. The tenderness and care with which Anna shows up for this woman from the moment she meets her is heart warming. I loved listening to that connection grow through Anna’s writing and Jacqueline’s narration aptly capturing the emotion and playfulness. I loved witnessing Ellie's humour, love of cold drinks, confusion, honesty, and determination through it all.
Overall, if you are looking for an emotional read, this could be the book for you. You will probably cry a lot, but you will also laugh and feel filled with warmth throughout. It's not a fast book, it's not full of action. It is full of life, death, and love. It is written with care and it feels like an invitation into some of the hardest pieces of Anna's life, with the intention of opening the reader up to some of the meaningful change she experienced as a result.
I really enjoyed this book. It is engaging, yet has an almost meditative feel to it. There is one chapter that discusses chronos and kairos, and this book feels like the embodiment of kairos. It hops around to small vignettes of life, predominantly jumping forward and backward between the author's journey with cancer, and her time spent with Eleanor in hospice. It touches on moments both large and small, evoking contemplation of life and connection.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the imagery, I think that is part of what made it feel so meditative. The author highlights a few small details in many of the quieter scenes: the sounds, the smells, patterns of breath, colours and textures of skin, drawing me further into the moment. Many of these moments are made even richer by Jacqueline Kim’s gentle narration and composition, with music almost trickling into your consciousness at key points. Early in the book, Anna describes a road trip across Canada. I am Canadian myself and could picture the scenery described, often finding myself smiling because I have made similar trips and can call those same images to mind.
The book approaches life and death with honesty. Living and dying are portrayed as both beautiful and inelegant. She doesn't shy away from the ups and the downs of the whole process. Anna's journey with cancer is rough, but there are still moments of love, beauty, and hope. Her time with Eleanor is brief, but the connection she builds with this woman is so rich. There were times I laughed, cried, felt distress and felt comfort.
I have to admit, I think the Eleanor chapters were my favourite. There is so much light in those chapters. So much contained in such a transient connection. The little pieces of Ellie's last days that Anna got to experience, and now us by extension, are so full. The tenderness and care with which Anna shows up for this woman from the moment she meets her is heart warming. I loved listening to that connection grow through Anna’s writing and Jacqueline’s narration aptly capturing the emotion and playfulness. I loved witnessing Ellie's humour, love of cold drinks, confusion, honesty, and determination through it all.
Overall, if you are looking for an emotional read, this could be the book for you. You will probably cry a lot, but you will also laugh and feel filled with warmth throughout. It's not a fast book, it's not full of action. It is full of life, death, and love. It is written with care and it feels like an invitation into some of the hardest pieces of Anna's life, with the intention of opening the reader up to some of the meaningful change she experienced as a result.
July 30, 2022
Written in a warm and inviting voice, descriptive of the author's personal experience in facing her own mortality. Alongside her own narrative, there is a compelling story of the author caring for 70-year-old Eleanor in her last days in hospice care. My heart was softened and expanded reading this, I felt connected to something I didn't yet know. And I turn the last page, and set it down, feeling Peace.
March 1, 2023
A deep and beautifully written book about one person's death and another's harrowing experience with cancer treatment. This book gives the reader many unique insights into the remarkable cancer treatments that are available; the experiences of those personally living with all the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges presented by these treatments; and the concept of acceptance and living life to the fullest, no matter what!
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April 8, 2022I loved this book! It is deeply spiritual, honest, painful and inspiring. It reveals the author’s strength, wisdom, compassion, and humanity. It is written in an easily accessible format. I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it.
Joyce Rigaux
Joyce Rigaux
April 15, 2022
Softens your mind. Particularly around death. The audio book is a nice way to experience this book. The last hour is the best, yet what precedes it helps you feel the whole of the journey. Old woman near death and cancer (survivor?) friendship.
October 30, 2023
Anna's writing sings with a raw humanity and spirituality that left me in awe. It will be some time before I uncover all the levels of significance this has left me with. One of the best - if not the best - books on the cancer journey - and life journey - that I have read. Thank you, Anna.
April 3, 2021
Author, Anna Byrne, wrote this book as a memoir to her seven year journey with lymphoma. She states, "Cancer is an excellent educator in the act of surrendering. It provides a concrete, experiential immersion into a thousand ways to abandon your illusions...I lost the illusion that I had control. That became a gift."
Byrne was also a hospice volunteer and wrote about Eleanor who was dying of renal failure. The author alternated her story with that of Eleanor's decline and death.
The book was heavy for me as the battle with cancer and the drawn out death of Eleanor was exhausting to read. That being said, the memoir was well written. I also appreciated near the end of the book a chapter of graceful reflections of what she had been through. And I liked this question she posed, "When death comes, what of you will last?" That question is worth pondering.
Byrne was also a hospice volunteer and wrote about Eleanor who was dying of renal failure. The author alternated her story with that of Eleanor's decline and death.
The book was heavy for me as the battle with cancer and the drawn out death of Eleanor was exhausting to read. That being said, the memoir was well written. I also appreciated near the end of the book a chapter of graceful reflections of what she had been through. And I liked this question she posed, "When death comes, what of you will last?" That question is worth pondering.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews