Sunday, December 15, 2013

In the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" what impact did the decision to maintain speech authenticity have on the story?

Henrietta Lacks' family had been kept in the dark about Henrietta's cells for over 25 years after Henrietta died of cervical cancer in 1951. Even after they became aware in the 1970s that her cells lived on in cell cultures around the world, they were not kept informed of any of the work involving her cells nor did they benefit from any of the money made from utilizing her cell line. Rebecca Skloot showed a...

Henrietta Lacks' family had been kept in the dark about Henrietta's cells for over 25 years after Henrietta died of cervical cancer in 1951. Even after they became aware in the 1970s that her cells lived on in cell cultures around the world, they were not kept informed of any of the work involving her cells nor did they benefit from any of the money made from utilizing her cell line. Rebecca Skloot showed a very high level of diligence when researching her book, trying to make sure that any information affecting Henrietta's family was shared with them. Skloot discusses in her prologue the painstaking, detailed research she did out of respect for Henrietta and her family. Skloot won the trust of many members of Lacks' family, quotes them directly, and uses primary sources whenever possible. If she had not done so, her book would no doubt not be nearly as complete or personal. Prior to Skloot's research the Lacks' family's contact with researchers and the press had left them highly skeptical of peoples' interest in Henrietta. A mutual respect developed between Skloot and members of Henrietta's family, particularly Henrietta's daughter, Deborah. This made the book both personal and empathetic.

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