Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals has received widespread acclaim for its raw, poignant, and insightful exploration of Lorde's breast cancer experience. Praise centers on its powerful prose and the intersection of personal and political narratives. Some critics note it occasionally feels overly introspective, but its emotional depth and candidness remain impactful.

Readers who would enjoy The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde are those who appreciate poignant memoirs addressing personal and political struggles. Fans of The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion or When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi will find similar depth in Lorde's exploration of illness, identity, and resilience.

The Cancer Journals is a memoir by Audre Lorde, published in 1980, chronicling her experiences living with breast cancer and coping with her self-image following a mastectomy. The book, blending journal entries, speeches, and essays, calls on women, particularly breast cancer survivors, to explore the illness's meaning in their lives and challenges societal and medical approaches to cancer treatment and female identity. The book discusses the emotional and physical impact of breast cancer and mastectomies.

Emotional / Contemplative / Inspirational / Challenging / Dark

- Audre Lorde, a self-identified "black, lesbian, feminist, mother, poet warrior," used her book The Cancer Journals to address the challenges of dealing with breast cancer and the importance of self-advocacy and visibility.
- The Cancer Journals is praised for integrating personal narrative with political analysis, highlighting the intersectionality of health care, race, gender, and sexuality.

**Audre Lorde**  
A Black lesbian poet who shares her personal experiences with breast cancer and a mastectomy, placing her story in a broader social and cultural context. At the time, she is 44 years old, has a partner named Frances, two children, and maintains close friendships with other prominent women writers.

**Frances**  
Lorde's partner, who provides steady and caring support through her battle with cancer. Frances is likened to a sunflower by Lorde and is recognized by healthcare workers as her partner.

**Adrienne Rich**  
A close friend and colleague of Lorde, she assists Lorde and Frances during their difficult time. Rich is also a renowned lesbian feminist poet.

**Beth**  
Lorde's daughter who shows emotional distress upon learning about her mother's decision to have a mastectomy, highlighting her personal views on femininity and motherhood.

**Eudora Garrett**  
One of Lorde's former lovers, she underwent a mastectomy without reconstructive surgery, providing Lorde with her first intimate encounter with someone who has experienced such an operation.

**Michelle Cliff**  
A supportive friend and fellow writer who joins the circle of women aiding Lorde during her cancer ordeal. Cliff is known for her work addressing themes such as racism, colonialism, and homophobia.

**Li’l Sister**  
The younger sister of Lorde's brother-in-law, who had previously undergone a mastectomy. Her conversation with Lorde highlights the significance of women connecting to share personal experiences.

Audre Lorde

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Cancer Journals reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Cancer Journals | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Cancer Journals and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Cancer Journals

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Cancer Journals?

Reading Age

Book Details