The Language of Pain: Finding Words, Compassion, and Relief

by David Biro

David Biro breaks through the wall of silence in this impassioned, hopeful work. Pain regularly accompanies illness, as David Biro knows only too well. Faced with a bone marrow transplant, the young doctor was determined to study his pain but found himself unable to articulate its depths, even to his doctors and wife. He has now discovered a way to break through the silent wall of suffering―physical and psychological―and wants to share it with others. In his new book, the critically acclaimed author expertly weaves together compelling stories and artwork from patients along with insights from some of our greatest thinkers, writers, and artists.

In the tradition of Susan Sontag’s Illness as Metaphor , Biro’s groundbreaking book is sure to transform our understanding of and ability to communicate pain. Language can alleviate the loneliness of pain and improve the chances that other people―family, friends, and doctors―empathize and respond most effectively. 10 illustrations

Genres: Nonfiction, Nursing, Medical

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

David Biro graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Medical School. He earned his PhD in English Literature from Oxford University. He currently teaches at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and practices dermatology in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

David is the author of two non-fiction books: One Hundred Days: My Unexpected Journey from Doctor to Patient and The Language of Pain: Finding Words, Compassion, and Relief. His first novel, This Magnificent Dappled Sea, debuted in November, 2020. His new novel, And The Bridge is Love, was published in October 2021. He has also published pieces in The New York Times, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and various medical journals.

David lives in New York City with his wife, Daniella, and twin boys, Daniel and Luca.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Biro's "The Language of Pain" when it first came out and I've just re-read it. I re-call really liking it when it first came out.
I didn't feel the same way this time round. In fact, I really struggled with it. I'm actually surprised I didn't see any of this before. I know Biro suffered unimaginable pain himself and that he wrote this book looking to offer solace and help to others.
The first thing for people to know is that while Biro suffered something truly awful his pain also ended. He didn't face waking up to it everyday for years or even decades. And despite his illness we're talking about a man speaking from a place of great privilege. He grew up without want (his father is a successful dermatologist), was finishing a medical residency when he got sick and has a PhD from Oxford in English Literature. I found a lot of his writing disingenuous, perhaps like he got a PhD in English Lit and wrote this book when actually he should have been getting counselling to deal with the issues he has with the human body.
He builds heavily Virginia Woolf's argument that pain resists language when in reality people have never been taught the vocabulary of pain nor given the proper tools to express it (anything other than a 0-10 scale) instead of actually giving readers tools.
If you're interested in metaphor that is the heart of the book, and he has extensive discussions about the use of pain and metaphor. Many of these are interesting, but not useful to pain patients.

[Chris Nagel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. I am not compelled by the way Biro discusses the expressibilty and inexpressibilty of pain. It is aiming for a readership who don't have the theoretical interest I have.

[anton artfraud · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, a bit pop-y, prone to repeating itself towards the end (but understandably). very worthwhile for its attitudes, its introduction of numerous sources on various aspects of the phenomenon of pain.

[Ginawalsh]

Dr. Biro sensitively approached a subject many people don't, or can't, talk about. I suggested his work to my orthopedic surgeon! I have read and re-read sections of this work numerous times.