The long period between starting and finishing seems to contradict the rating. However, it was just one of those 'have to set it aside' moments and there was much else to do and more books to read, so the bottom of the pile kept getting deeper. Yesterday I pulled it out and quickly finished it.

The narrative is well told and the science adroitly woven in. One gets to know Harriet, her children--mostly Deborah--and the doctors and scientists who worked with the cells. The book is important as it returns the human Harriet to the sterile lab atmosphere. And it was a good read.

Early when I had just started the book, I was also starting in with a new doctor and noticed the permission form included whether or not to give permission for scientific use of any tissues or other samples. It was made clear that there would be no remuneration. I assume the Henrietta Lacks story and other less famous ones created that permission form. I toyed with saying, No, but ended up checking the yes block. But there is no reason to be informed of any use made.