Questions About The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Emperor of All Maladies, please sign up.

Answered Questions (5)

The Emperor of Maladies was well written, thoroughly researched, and seemed medically accurate( I am an MD. ), but ultimately I and I wonder if others slowed down the pace of reading due to the sheer volume of information?

R I've read other long, rich histories (science, medicine, general history, etc), but have not lost my way in the middle so much as I did with this book…moreI've read other long, rich histories (science, medicine, general history, etc), but have not lost my way in the middle so much as I did with this book. As you say, it is incredibly well-researched, but it does seem to suffer from a 'too slow in the middle' syndrome. I haven't reviewed the book, but only because I've put it aside unfinished. Your question helped me to understand why. It's more about the storytelling pace, than the amount of information. Thanks.(less)

flag

Isn't it a a Pulitzer prize wining book with moving account of clinical situations with cancer patients of various ages and in-depth scientific information that is easy to comprehend by people of almost all background?

Jahnavi Pulitzer prize winning - yes, moving account - in parts, yes, but it is also excruciatingly detailed in its recounting of events.
The focus is not on c…morePulitzer prize winning - yes, moving account - in parts, yes, but it is also excruciatingly detailed in its recounting of events.
The focus is not on cancer patients, neither is it on oncologists - rather its the telling of our journey wading through cancer - a biography, like the tagline reads, with due to attention to all those involved.
It is easy to understand, i'd say - but not an 'easy read' - it'll definitely take multiple sittings, unless you're the kind to devour scientific facts on the go.
Should you pick up to read the book, I'll say you'll have plenty of revelations - it's well-written from literature's stand-point as well, and a book I quite like!(less)

flag

Does this book move like fiction or is it more of a history novel?