Review by Jill Hedgecock
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016, Vintage, paperback, 229 pages, $12.78) is the memoir of a young neurosurgeon at the tail end of his residency who is diagnosed with, and eventually succumbs to, lung cancer at the age of 37. This is a book about a student turned doctor, a neurosurgeon turned patient, a vibrant soul turned feeble. This is the story about a man who’s quest for life’s meaning launched him out of clinical textbooks into the real life role of a compassionate human being, who described his role as a doctor as mirroring the responsibilities of a religious pastor. In addition, to insight into the insidious ways diseases disrupt his patient’s and their family’s lives, readers get a glimpse of the grueling hours it takes to be a neurosurgeon.
It has been said that readers of novels tend to be more empathetic, so perhaps it is because Paul obtained a BA and MA in English Literature before pursuing a medical degree that his writing has a truth and compassion that most medically-trained people couldn’t invoke through mere words. As Paul’s narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a philosophical journey on the meaning of life. His vibrant, almost poetical, writing style is bound to captivate and maybe even distract readers from the heavy nature of the subject matter.
Kalanithi faced many dilemmas as he navigated the repercussions of cancer. Should I return to live as a neurosurgeon? Should I write the book? Should I give over treatment decisions to my doctor or continue to be involved? The book tackles a question that few married couples would want to face: should I bring a child into this world when I know I’m going to die? I respected that Paul gave his wife, Lucy, the power to make the final decision.
Kalanithi embarked on the book after he was ill and was not able to complete the manuscript before his death in March 2015 His wife, Lucy, describes how her husband coped with his illness. But perhaps, more importantly, how she and the family rallied to make the best of an impossibly sad situation. Her narrative is as just as compelling as her husband’s. Paul’s last day is a testament to the grace and fortitude, not because he tried to rally for a cure, but because he accepted his fate with dignity. When it was time to go, he was ready. I’d be lying if I said this was an easy read. Most people are not comfortable thinking about death. But the author’s outlook is infused with thought-provoking questions, not so much about the mechanics of death, but with how to life your life regardless of when you might end up traversing the hurdle that we all must face. One thing that rings true—we should all be so lucky to face death with such dignity.
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