Instaread Summaries 
Summary of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 
by Rebecca Skloot | Includes Analysis

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: by Rebecca Skloot | A 15-minute Summary &

Analysis

Preview:

Rebecca Skloot’s book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, chronicles the life, death, and

immortality of Henrietta Lacks, a young black woman whose cervical cancer cells became one of

the most important factors in bringing about important scientific and medical advancements in

the twentieth century. Her family, however, did not know until much later that researchers were

using Henrietta’s cells in their experiments. When the family learned the truth, they endured

turmoil and heartache in the decades that followed.

Henrietta grew up in Clover, Virginia, where she lived and worked on a tobacco farm with her

grandfather, Tommy Lacks, and many cousins. One of these cousins was David “Day” Lacks,

who would become her husband.

Henrietta and Day eventually moved to Turner Station so Day could get a more lucrative job at

the steel mill, and together they had five children. Henrietta gave birth to Lawrence just after she

turned…

PLEASE NOTE: This is an unofficial summary and analysis of the book and NOT the

original book. 

Inside this Instaread Summary & Analysis of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

• Summary of entire book

• Introduction to the Important People in the book

• Key Takeaways and Analysis of Key Takeaways

About the Author

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