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One Body

A Retrospective

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About this listen

In this searing, frank and funny memoir by the author of When I Had a Little Sister, a crisis causes Catherine Simpson to reflect - and to see how her body tells the story of her life.

By the time she reached her 50s, Catherine had experienced period pain, childbirth and early menopause, alongside love and laughter, a career in journalism and raising two daughters. Like many of her peers, along the way she'd dieted, jogged, sweated, tanned, permed and plucked - always attempting to conform to prevailing standards of 'acceptable womanhood'. But when a medical crisis comes along, she can no longer pummel her body into submission and is forced to take stock.

From growing up on a farm where veterinarians were more common than doctors and where illness was 'a nuisance', she now faces the nuisance of a lifetime. One Body is the demystifying, relatable, often hilarious and sometimes hair-raising story of how Catherine navigates her treatment and the emotions and reflections it provokes. And how she comes to drop the unattainable standards imposed on her body, and simply appreciate the skin she is in.

©2022 Catherine Simpson (P)2022 Saraband Cancer Physical Illness & Disease Women Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"A vivid framing of the mystery, confusion and even terror tangled up with our young bodies in the ’70s." (Marry Anne Hobbs)

"By turns poignant and searingly honest, this book is a wise and witty reflection on all that it means to have a body." (Claire Askew)
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Catherine writes so honestly and from the heart. She’s not scared to share her deepest thoughts and memories. With such talent she’s able to tell her desperately saddest times which humour and wit. A memoir which many of us will be able to relate too in one way or another. Great 3rd book. I hope she keeps filling those note pads and in turn writing.

Brilliantly written memoir, which is touching,witty and sad.

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