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The C-Word:

A Story of Cancer

Jean Taylor

Price: $27.50 (Australian dollars),
$37.95 (NZ dollars),
$14.95 (US dollars),
$29.95 (Canadian dollars),
£11.95 (UK pounds)


‘This is a compelling book that I could not put down, and my heart goes out to Jean. I thank her for honesty and her willingness to share this experience’ – Rebecca Kagan, LOTL

‘I highly recommend the C-Word as a book that ought to grace the bookshelf of every lesbian household’ – Ruth Wykes, Women Out West

‘Read this to understand how strong, intelligent women deal with cancer, read this and have a good cry, and read this to be inspired to live!’ – Health Sharing Women

This is a book about the different ways the diagnosis of ovarian cancer affected two active members of the lesbian community in Melbourne in the 1990s. When Maureen O'Connor was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 1996, she delayed going to hospital so she could appear in the Performing Older Women's Circus production, 'Still Revolting'. The C-Word describes the daily battle Maureen (Maurs) fought over the next two-and-a-half years.

Maurs grew up in a working-class family in Melbourne, worked in the public service, and later became head technician in the Women's Circus.

When her partner, Jean Taylor founded the Performing Women's Circus (POW) in 1995, Maurs moved on-stage and became a clown.

The C-Word is an honest and forthight account of cancer. It deals with the loneliness the partner of a sufferer faces, the gruelling treatments with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the terror and calm of facing death. A story of a powerful partnership, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of community.

Reading this book is an emotional experience, and it is utterly unputdownable.

Reviews of C-word

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ISBN 187555999X 2000
Auto/biography/Cancer/esbian/Health
122pp 198 x 128mm 
Territories: World
 All rights:Spinifex Press

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