The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks — Illustrated Edition, 384 Pages
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a nonfiction account of Henrietta Lacks, the HeLa cells taken from her without her knowledge, and the scientific and ethical history surrounding them. This illustrated edition is listed at 384 pages and connects medical research with the Lacks family's experience and the history of experimentation on African Americans.
At a glance
- Follows the story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells that became an important tool in medical research.
- Examines scientific discovery alongside informed consent, bioethics, race relations and the legal questions around human biological materials.
- The listing describes an illustrated edition with 384 pages.
Reference price: $39.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Brings the history of HeLa research together with the Lacks family's experience and the ethical questions around consent.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as engaging and accessible to general readers.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Crown |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Feb. 2 2010 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1400052173 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1400052172 |
| Dimensions | 16.08 x 3.23 x 24.18 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in medical history, cell biology and the history of scientific research.
- Readers looking for narrative nonfiction about bioethics, race and the human consequences of medical discovery.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a technical cell biology textbook or a short, light read. The listed book is 384 pages and addresses emotionally difficult history.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
62% 62% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights an engaging, informative and accessible account that readers find fascinating and emotionally affecting. That reported readability may suit general readers interested in science and medical history, while the described heartbreak and difficult ethical history may feel weighty. The aggregate ratings are mostly positive, but they do not explain individual readers' reasons.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the engaging writing and the story's historical significance.
- Feedback describes the book as informative and accessible to lay readers.
Mixed feedback
- Some customers describe the story as sad and emotionally heartbreaking.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It tells Henrietta Lacks's story and traces how HeLa cells were used in medical research, alongside questions of consent, race, bioethics and the family's experience.
What edition and length are listed?
The listing identifies an illustrated edition with a print length of 384 pages.
Is this a technical biology textbook?
The supplied description presents it as narrative nonfiction about scientific discovery and its human consequences, not as a technical textbook.
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