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A HAIR'S WHISPER: FROM CANCER TO THE COURTROOM
The dramatic and captivating true story of corporate greed and the bullying of a cancer patient.
When Shirley Ledlie, a breast cancer patient survivor, stands up to one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and its lawyers, she embarks on a journey of strength and determination, and with an unbreakable sense of duty to do the right thing.
Despite fearing for her safety and standing at a mental crossroads, not knowing which path to take, Shirley shares her innermost thoughts, even those she’s ashamed of, and her rollercoaster of emotions from despair to elation and self-doubt to confidence.
A Hair’s Whisper is a gripping and empowering story that shows what can be achieved when we fight for the truth.
When Shirley Ledlie, a breast cancer patient survivor, stands up to one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and its lawyers, she embarks on a journey of strength and determination, and with an unbreakable sense of duty to do the right thing.
Despite fearing for her safety and standing at a mental crossroads, not knowing which path to take, Shirley shares her innermost thoughts, even those she’s ashamed of, and her rollercoaster of emotions from despair to elation and self-doubt to confidence.
A Hair’s Whisper is a gripping and empowering story that shows what can be achieved when we fight for the truth.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Ledlie
6 books6 followersShirley is a former weekly columnist for the Bella magazine, author of three books, numerous media articles and she is never short of invitations to take part in podcast/radio interviews.
Currently, Shirley is writing short fiction stories for women's mags and working on her first novel, which she's very excited about: 'it's a psychological suspense thriller inspired by a true story.' There is also a fun memoir, with a release date of June 2018. It's the first in a series of motorhome memories which focuses on her camping trips to Spain, Portugal and France where she has lived for eighteen years.
Shirley's been married to her husband John for thirty-two years, has two grown-up children, one granddaughter and a cat. She spends most of her days writing or gardening, practising yoga and meditation, working as a 'patient information reviewer' and having the odd lunch or two with her friends. Every Wednesday morning she can be found her local commune's l'epicerie sociale helping the Red Cross.
Currently, Shirley is writing short fiction stories for women's mags and working on her first novel, which she's very excited about: 'it's a psychological suspense thriller inspired by a true story.' There is also a fun memoir, with a release date of June 2018. It's the first in a series of motorhome memories which focuses on her camping trips to Spain, Portugal and France where she has lived for eighteen years.
Shirley's been married to her husband John for thirty-two years, has two grown-up children, one granddaughter and a cat. She spends most of her days writing or gardening, practising yoga and meditation, working as a 'patient information reviewer' and having the odd lunch or two with her friends. Every Wednesday morning she can be found her local commune's l'epicerie sociale helping the Red Cross.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 12, 2022
I read Shirley Ledlie's previous memoir 'Naked in the Wind' some time ago and was impressed by her courage then. In this latest memoir 'A Hair's Whisper' she describes her ongoing battle with Sanofi, one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies. I am now totally in awe of her determination to seek justice, not only for herself but for the thousands of others whose lives have been affected by their drug Taxotere. It's astounding the lengths this company go to to silence her. Horrifying really!
However this remarkably brave lady refuses to be browbeaten and continues to fight for the truth to be told. It's gripping and nerve wracking. I could have wept for her as she summoned up her reserves of courage to face them once again in the courtroom. She is an inspiration - a warrior!
However this remarkably brave lady refuses to be browbeaten and continues to fight for the truth to be told. It's gripping and nerve wracking. I could have wept for her as she summoned up her reserves of courage to face them once again in the courtroom. She is an inspiration - a warrior!
December 4, 2022
I read the author's first book Naked in the Wind which closes with her coming to terms with her disfigurement somewhat (as much as anyone can in such circumstances) and somehow discovering a degree of peace and moving on. This sequel memoir begins when she finds herself being sucked back into legal battles several years later. The author's tenacity, sense of justice and ardent pursuit of speaking the truth are unwavering, despite her vulnerabilities.
This well-written and informative memoir exposes in no uncertain terms the criminal intent ('mens rea'?) sheer hypocrisy, barefaced lies and cover-ups which the drug company - and in some cases the consultants/oncologists who were aware of the devastating side effect (possibly because they received remuneration from the drug company for pushing their drug over and above the alternative) - mercilessly pursue with no compassion or remorse for the damage they have caused the women with their product. It is a jaw-dropping account of "guilty knowledge" taking precedence over the women suffering from permanent hair loss from a dangerous drug, treating them with contempt, as it is so clear from all the evidence and witness statements that the drug company are guilty. The author's strong sense of justice and voice of truth rings out clearly however, and the reader can only hope that justice will be done for these women who have been unnecessarily physically and emotionally damaged for life.
On a lighter note, I enjoyed the small everyday details Shirley includes in her memoir which bring it all to life - the food, her observations, the heat, the cold, and so on - it brings the reader right beside Shirley in her courtroom experience.
This well-written and informative memoir exposes in no uncertain terms the criminal intent ('mens rea'?) sheer hypocrisy, barefaced lies and cover-ups which the drug company - and in some cases the consultants/oncologists who were aware of the devastating side effect (possibly because they received remuneration from the drug company for pushing their drug over and above the alternative) - mercilessly pursue with no compassion or remorse for the damage they have caused the women with their product. It is a jaw-dropping account of "guilty knowledge" taking precedence over the women suffering from permanent hair loss from a dangerous drug, treating them with contempt, as it is so clear from all the evidence and witness statements that the drug company are guilty. The author's strong sense of justice and voice of truth rings out clearly however, and the reader can only hope that justice will be done for these women who have been unnecessarily physically and emotionally damaged for life.
On a lighter note, I enjoyed the small everyday details Shirley includes in her memoir which bring it all to life - the food, her observations, the heat, the cold, and so on - it brings the reader right beside Shirley in her courtroom experience.
December 17, 2022
I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel to Shirley Ledlie’s Naked In The Wind, and I have now romped through it with undiminished admiration and respect for this awe-inspiring woman. A Hair’s Whisper tells the story of her continuing fight to gain justice for all women with permanent hair loss resulting from a specific chemotherapy drug. Pulling no punches, Ms Ledlie takes on the lawyers and representatives of the drug’s manufacturer and scores a major triumph in flouting the demands of the pharmaceutical giant. I loved the book, the descriptions of the legal battles and also the extra glimpses into her life and travels, especially in New Orleans. Congratulations, Shirley Ledlie. I remain in awe of your courage and hope there will be more on your campaign for patients’ rights to come. You are doing what most of us would never have the bravery to do. Very highly recommended.
September 23, 2022
This author deserves a medal.
When a pharmaceutical company for breast cancer knowingly causes her to lose her hair, S.A. Ledlie holds them accountable for not disclosing their knowledge about the risk of hair loss. Her compassion is unwavering as she helps others by testifying at their trial or through support group websites by listening and educating them. When my son was murdered, the life insurance company refused to pay, and I, too, had to take on a big company. It’s scary because Ledlie and I don’t have these companies’ resources. But we chose to fight anyway. If you have breast cancer, are facing your own battle, or just want to hear one woman’s inspirational story, pick up a copy of A Hair’s Whisper.
When a pharmaceutical company for breast cancer knowingly causes her to lose her hair, S.A. Ledlie holds them accountable for not disclosing their knowledge about the risk of hair loss. Her compassion is unwavering as she helps others by testifying at their trial or through support group websites by listening and educating them. When my son was murdered, the life insurance company refused to pay, and I, too, had to take on a big company. It’s scary because Ledlie and I don’t have these companies’ resources. But we chose to fight anyway. If you have breast cancer, are facing your own battle, or just want to hear one woman’s inspirational story, pick up a copy of A Hair’s Whisper.
December 7, 2022
A HAIR'S WHISPER by Shirley Ledlie depicts an epic battle waged on tumultuous ground. Not only does the author combat her cancer, she does so without the full disclosure of what might be the collateral damage. When faced with a life-threatening illness, we expect everyone on our team to be fully transparent, to share everything so that expectations can be managed, and so that informed decisions can be made. A Hair’s Whisper tells the tale of when Big Pharma makes those decisions for us. The author is exemplary in her courageous battle for her life and then continues the ongoing fight for justice. Highly recommend. (I was lucky enough to be awarded a copy of this book through a contest.)
June 1, 2023
I have everything crossed that one day justice will be served.
A Hair’s Whisper is one of those books that you finish and just want to shout at everyone to read it. It’s a truly eye-opening read as we follow the author’s journey to get justice.
I found the memoir really moving and also a terrifying reminder of how big corporations run the world, with little thought to consumers. Ledlie’s experience, along with many others, shows how greed is fuelling the pharmaceutical market leaving little thought for informed consent or the patient’s wellbeing.
A truly inspiring story and one I will continue to tell people to read. I have everything crossed that one day justice will be served.
A Hair’s Whisper is one of those books that you finish and just want to shout at everyone to read it. It’s a truly eye-opening read as we follow the author’s journey to get justice.
I found the memoir really moving and also a terrifying reminder of how big corporations run the world, with little thought to consumers. Ledlie’s experience, along with many others, shows how greed is fuelling the pharmaceutical market leaving little thought for informed consent or the patient’s wellbeing.
A truly inspiring story and one I will continue to tell people to read. I have everything crossed that one day justice will be served.
September 29, 2022
Fast-moving easy read.
I read Shirley Ledlie’s first memoir a few years back and really enjoyed it. In ‘Naked in the Wind’, she weaves her stories of moving to France, her battle with breast cancer, and her fight with the drug company who deceived her and so many other women. Shirley’s new memoir ‘A Hair’s Whisper’ concentrates on her continued legal battle with Sanofi. She took on one of the largest pharmaceutical companies. Oh my, it must have been so scary, but this feisty lady was determined. She wouldn't give up.
This is fast-moving. Not just in the courtroom, and not full of law jargon. It’s easy to read, and gripping as you follow Shirley's fight. There will be many twists and turns, balanced by occasional light-hearted comments sprinkled in. But she goes on, she won't let them silence her.
An excellent, fast-moving easy read.
I read Shirley Ledlie’s first memoir a few years back and really enjoyed it. In ‘Naked in the Wind’, she weaves her stories of moving to France, her battle with breast cancer, and her fight with the drug company who deceived her and so many other women. Shirley’s new memoir ‘A Hair’s Whisper’ concentrates on her continued legal battle with Sanofi. She took on one of the largest pharmaceutical companies. Oh my, it must have been so scary, but this feisty lady was determined. She wouldn't give up.
This is fast-moving. Not just in the courtroom, and not full of law jargon. It’s easy to read, and gripping as you follow Shirley's fight. There will be many twists and turns, balanced by occasional light-hearted comments sprinkled in. But she goes on, she won't let them silence her.
An excellent, fast-moving easy read.
March 27, 2023
Shirley Ledlie really is an extraordinary lady. Surviving and writing about breast cancer is courageous in itself; doing so with humour and passion, amazing.
In Naked in the Wind, Shirley’s previous memoir, she learns the devastating truth that, following chemotherapy, her hair will never grow back. This is not temporary hair loss, but permanent, never to be seen again alopecia, caused by a particular chemotherapy drug, Taxotere. Shirley goes on to do battle with one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, in her never-ending search for the truth about Taxotere.
It’s now sixteen years later. Shirley is living with her baldness and has moved on. ‘The maverick side to me had most definitely left the building’ she says. Or has it? When litigations against Sanofi, the huge pharma company who produced Taxotere, begin in the United States, Shirley has to get involved.
This inspirational book highlights just how devious and downright scary huge multi-nationals can be when it comes to fighting dirty. Can David beat Goliath? You have to read to find out, but let’s say (s)he isn’t going to lay down and give in…not Shirley; I am woman, indeed.
In Naked in the Wind, Shirley’s previous memoir, she learns the devastating truth that, following chemotherapy, her hair will never grow back. This is not temporary hair loss, but permanent, never to be seen again alopecia, caused by a particular chemotherapy drug, Taxotere. Shirley goes on to do battle with one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, in her never-ending search for the truth about Taxotere.
It’s now sixteen years later. Shirley is living with her baldness and has moved on. ‘The maverick side to me had most definitely left the building’ she says. Or has it? When litigations against Sanofi, the huge pharma company who produced Taxotere, begin in the United States, Shirley has to get involved.
This inspirational book highlights just how devious and downright scary huge multi-nationals can be when it comes to fighting dirty. Can David beat Goliath? You have to read to find out, but let’s say (s)he isn’t going to lay down and give in…not Shirley; I am woman, indeed.
July 3, 2023
Mixed feelings to be honest. Definitely agree that patients should be provided full, comprehensive, detailed facts about any medication they are putting into their bodies and that no manufacturer or company has the right to hide the truth …or make a persons life miserable by constantly attacking them over reporting the truth .,…..however having said that - my spouse has stage 4 cancer AND if he could take a drug to save his life a s only lose the ability to regrow his hair, he’d jump on that medication in a heartbeat. As a woman, I would as well. Yes I understand it’s not about the inability to regrow hair but the lies….STILL life versus no hair??? It’s a no brainer for me. So I find it difficult to rate this book based solely on the facts.
April 16, 2023
First of all I have to say the cover of this book is phenomenal! Well chosen and designed!
Although I didn’t read the first book, I had no difficulty following the story.
The author shares her fight against a major drug company that permanently destroys a vital part of her wellbeing. It’s a shame that the people we trust, like doctors and drug companies, don’t fully disclose all the long-lasting side effects of the drugs they distribute. I applaud her for the strength and determination she exhibits when fighting this battle.
I’d really like to hear the story of how it all began so her previous book is going to be put on my TBR list.
Although I didn’t read the first book, I had no difficulty following the story.
The author shares her fight against a major drug company that permanently destroys a vital part of her wellbeing. It’s a shame that the people we trust, like doctors and drug companies, don’t fully disclose all the long-lasting side effects of the drugs they distribute. I applaud her for the strength and determination she exhibits when fighting this battle.
I’d really like to hear the story of how it all began so her previous book is going to be put on my TBR list.
September 11, 2024
Imagine beating cancer, coming to terms with never having a full head of hair again and then having to watch your back because a huge drug company is trying to silence you! I loved reading this sequel to Shirley’s first book where she continues her fight to get Sanofi to admit the truth about the side effects of their drug. A quick but enjoyable read.
May 2, 2024
This book highlights the horrific power & pure evilness of pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, who go to great lengths to try to silence the author. Her guts & determination shine through. She continues to fight for truth, & informed choice for all women everywhere. An inspiring & gripping read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews