A woman decides to have a prophylactic mastectomy that will forever alter her reflection. But being married, with two young children and already suffering from health issues, diving into hereditary cancer genes may prove more complicated than this stay-at-home mom imagined. On her journey to lessen her cancer odds, she's forced to confront the reality of her life, the struggles of her past, and her role as a mother and wife, all while having to redefine what it means to be beautiful.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author has crafted an intimate and impactful chronicle that details her decision to prophylactically have her breasts removed after learning she carries the gene for breast cancer. What follows is a candid look at the rationale behind her decision and her experiences both pre- and post-surgery.
Prose: The author writes eloquently about being "stalked" by cancer and the painful decision to have a mastectomy as a preventative measure. Her prose style is warm, immediate, and deeply reflective.
Originality: While memoirs of cancer diagnosis are, sadly, familiar, Costa shares the under-explored experience of taking preemptive action to avoid breast cancer.
Character/Execution: Costa provides an insightful look at her health-related challenges, while the work's broader examination of bodies, femininity, and notions of beauty, are especially edifying.
Date Submitted: January 21, 2024
