Tales From The Tail End: My Cancer Diary

When she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, writes Ananya Mukherjee, she was ‘stunned and disappointed in myself but quickly found my resolve. I chose to fight cheerfully…with a deep belief and faith that I’d be okay.’ Tragically, and for perhaps the first time in her life, her will could not overcome circumstances, and she lost the fight on 18 November 2018. But she left behind a host of memories for those who knew her, and a beautiful legacy for the world—an intimate and inspiring diary of her ‘cheerful fight’. It is a book that makes light of the darker moments of cancer (comparing her balding head to the dishevelled crow on her windowsill); gives practical advice on gifts to bring a cancer patient (piping hot machcher jhol along with a good story or two); and gives an insight into what cancer patients dream of (a road trip to Jaisalmer and a gondola ride in Venice).

Tales from the Tail End is a book of hope, courage, even sunshine—not only for those living with cancer, and their caregivers and loved ones, but for anyone determined to live life on her or his own terms despite adversity.

Peeyush Sekhsaria’s skilful sketches are a delightful accompaniment to the text.

Part of the proceeds of this book will go to the Yuvraj Singh Cancer Foundation and the Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety.

Praise

Fighting an illness is like going through a tunnel…[Tales] is like the light at the end of that tunnel. I wish I could have met Ananya to tell her what a beautiful account she has written about her journey with cancer.’—Yuvraj Singh

‘Ananya’s life with cancer made me count my blessings for things we take for granted. Her writing is so brave and honest, we feel what we are reading very closely.’—Manisha Koirala