Henrietta Lacks

On a recent visit to Bristol, in front of the splendid Physics Department building, they have newly installed a statue of Henrietta Lacks dedicated to all the unrecognised black woman who have contributed to humanity.
It prompted me to read this book which has been languishing on my bookshelf for far too long.
Henrietta’s cancer cells, or HeLa as scientists know them, taken without her knowledge were the first cells to be grown in culture - and an important research tool in modern medicine - as well as a multi million dollar industry - although her family was unable to afford medical care. A book which weaves together the story of the real woman and her family with the scientific research, it’s a shocking as well as a fascinating read. Perhaps the book is well known in the US but I think not so much here. The tenacity and courage of the young female author who researched the story and brought it to light is absolutely remarkable. I found it eye opening.