Nothing is Promised

Name: Nothing is Promised
Author: Marjorie E. Belson
ISBN: 978-0990388807

by Marjorie E. Belson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2014

A cancer survivor describes her path to health with frank, endearing self-deprecation.

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In her debut work, an affecting memoir, Belson reflects on her experiences battling breast cancer.

In 2000, Belson was a 55-year-old woman, mother, preschool teacher and proud New Yorker. Two weeks after attending her son Matthew’s wedding, Belson received unfortunate news from her doctor about the results of her mammogram. Later, Belson learned that there was a cancerous cyst in her breast. Devastated, she looked for refuge in her relationship with her mother-in-law, Maxie, who was the first to understand the severity of her illness. Maxie’s support of Belson ranged from quiet conversation to a nostalgic trip to Atlantic City. The author also had the encouragement of her close friends, who significantly buoyed her spirits. After her surgery, Belson struggled to regain control of her life—until Sept. 11, 2001, which upended her feelings of security but also inspired her to “appreciate the potential richness of my life.” Belson’s unguarded account was undoubtedly cathartic. She provides the reader with a personal description of her disease, which may resonate with others in similar circumstances, particularly since she covers numerous experiences—procedural details during check-ups, surgery and recuperation. Her story is remarkable in that she finds her courage in her friends and family. She addresses her existential grappling with mortality, but she also candidly limns the physical and psychological effect of losing her breasts and having reconstructive surgery: “Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I looked at my refitted bosom, and then slowly revisited my body’s scars, many of which represented an effort to preserve my life.”

A cancer survivor describes her path to health with frank, endearing self-deprecation.

Pub Date: May 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-0990388807

Page Count: 200

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Aug. 27, 2014

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.