by Josephine Brady

Malahide resident Josephine Brady never expected to be dealing with cancer shortly after turning 50. But that’s the challenge that faced the respected Cavan County Librarian in 2014 when she was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL).

Life changed utterly for the Cavan native. Shortly after diagnosis, Josephine moved to Malahide and underwent chemoimmunotherapy. Since then, she has lived with CLL but not allowed it to dictate her life, seeking solace in literature.

“Readers grappling with cancer – patients, survivors, loved ones and caregivers - reach for language and story that will enable them to endure suffering, find meaning and recover hope,” says Josephine. “The challenge is finding the finest writing quickly and easily. No treasury of essential reading nor introductory guide exists. That is, until now.”

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, it prompted me to research and write the book I longed to read but could not find.”

“The Breath of Consolation is an anthology, a compendium, a treasure chest and a reader’s companion. It honours fifty literary treasures from three centuries, six continents and thirteen countries. Memoirs, novels, poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction feature.”

It has generated hugely positive responses from writers and medical professionals alike.

Niall MacMonagle, educator, anthologist and cultural commentator sees her book as “offering important and valuable signposts, leading us towards the finest writing about cancer. Her in-depth analyses are not only knowledgeable and clear-sighted but enriching, re-affirming and hopeful.”

Martina Devlin, author and journalist writes: “Grace, wisdom and solace can be found between these pages. Josephine has taken something devastating and transformed it into beauty with these lovingly plaited extracts and her observations on them.”

John Quinn, Author and Broadcaster loves her work, stating that it is “Full of wit, wisdom, honesty, courage and heart.”

Dr Amanda Kracen, Psychologist and President of IPSON, urges patients, survivors and caregivers to dive into Josephine’s book to “significantly enhance their well-being and resilience”.

ISBN 978-1-3999-85185 Euro 24.99
Available: Manor Books Malahide
To benefit Cuan Cancer Support Centre and Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre