February Light: A Love Letter to the Seasons During a Year of Cancer and Recovery [Hardcover]

Heather Trexler Remoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997

The author describes how, after moving to the small town of Osprey Lakes, Pennsylvania, she diagnosed with ovarian cancer and chronicles how the spirit of this country town helped cure her of her cancer as much as the chemotherapy."

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

One woman's tender yet sober reflections on her victory over ovarian cancer highlight the parallels between life cycles and the seasons. Ever since her childhood, Remoff has sensed within herself a ``wild inner union with the natural world.'' Years later, this connection is rekindled when the author takes up permanent residence with her second husband in the tiny and exclusive resort village of Osprey Lakes in the Pennsylvania hills. The move sadly coincides with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Remoff gathers these experiences into a month-by-month chronicle of her disease and recovery, intricately woven reflections on the seasons, illness, death, and life in a small place. She celebrates the joys of simply being alive amid such natural beauty. A former competitive runner, Remoff perseveres through surgery and chemotherapy by dint of sheer stubbornness and competitive instinct (``Let the games begin. I'll do whatever it takes to beat this bastard cancer''). In addition, her love of family and friends and the companionship of her dog see her through emotionally trying times. Regular doses of running, herbal teas, despair, and hope shape her days. February Light's appeal lies in Remoff's honesty in describing and sharing the details of her disease, treatments, and emotions: She relates everything from dealing with doctors and medical staff to questioning prescribed treatment and following her own herbal remedies. A small part of the text is comprised of brief memoir sketches that seem unduly self-conscious in providing details that the reader intuits from the subtler writing of the present. Remoff's treatment of Osprey Lakes' local color and characters also lack the power of her ruminations on disease and nature. Of interest to cancer sufferers, their families and friends, and those open to the often tough-minded ``insights that have been cancer's gift.'' -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Heather Trexler Remoff, a freelance writer and anthropologist, lives in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvainia. Her work has been published in books and periodicals in the United States and Canada. The Discovery Channel Special, 'Pet Love', features re-enactments from February Light. Diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 1992, Heather remains cancer-free and in robust good health. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1 edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031216839X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312168391
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,100,308 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memoir of a fully-lived life before, during, & after cancer., April 24, 1998

By 

Alan C. Elms (Davis, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: February Light: A Love Letter to the Seasons During a Year of Cancer and Recovery (Hardcover)

In this brief book, Heather Remoff shows herself to be a funny, gutsy, caring and sensitive woman. She also turns out to be one tough cookie. This memoir of her new life in a remote Pennsylvania village, and of the cancer that nearly ended that life, is well worth reading just for the skill of her writing. But even more, it is a fascinating self-portrait of a whole person, fully engaged in the serious and crazily unpredictable business of life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous! Heartwarming and Inspiring! A Must Read!, February 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: February Light: A Love Letter to the Seasons During a Year of Cancer and Recovery (Hardcover)

What a beautiful book! I was less than half way through when I started thinking of friends to whom I would recommend it. It not only gives hope and inspiration to others facing dreaded diseases, but would remind any reader of the joy of being alive and appreciating the beauty of nature, and the importance of family and friends, in coping with life's difficult moments. While she describes with honesty the frustrations of dealing with those in the medical profession, she nevertheless is generous with her praise and understanding of their difficult choices in their efforts to help her combat this elusive disease. Far from being depressing, you find yourself laughing with her, crying with her , and rejoicing with her as she shares her love of life in her beloved Osprey Lakes which seems daily to nourish her soul. Her vivid descriptions transport you in a way that you actually feel you are there sharing it with her. It's a feel good book and I believe anyone would be enriched from reading it. I enjoyed it even more on the second reading, and have received many expressions of appreciation from those with whom I've shared it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully written chronicle, March 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: February Light: A Love Letter to the Seasons During a Year of Cancer and Recovery (Hardcover)

This is a marvelous memoir, offering much more than an account of a struggle with a serious illness. It is a joyful affirmation of life and mortality. I was mesmerized by the deft way in which Heather Remoff interweaves her observations about her natural surroundings and her inner physical struggle. Her ruminations are infused with wit and candor, giving her book a delightful readability. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, not just those touched by cancer. It has much to offer those who have ever thought about their mortality, and maybe even more to those who haven't. I know that I will come back to this volume and its gifts again and again.