editor’s book pick: the empathy exams

In her acclaimed collection of essays, "The Empathy Exams," Leslie Jamison weaves an intricate tapestry of human experiences, delving into the heart of empathy's complexities and inviting chronic illness patients into a realm of understanding and validation. Through her profound narratives and meticulous research, Jamison addresses the challenges that ail both the body and the soul, making this book an essential companion for those navigating the labyrinth of chronic health conditions.

Drawing from her own experiences and interactions with others, the essay "Pain Tours" stands out as an extraordinary exploration of chronic pain, both from Jamison's personal encounters and the experiences of others. With vivid and honest descriptions, Jamison depicts the physical and emotional toll that chronic illness can take on patients. Chronic illness patients can find solace in her candid approach as she addresses the struggles, frustrations, and isolation that often accompany living with an ongoing health condition.

In "Devil's Bait," Jamison delves into the world of Morgellons disease, shedding light on the experiences of those plagued by unexplained skin sensations. Initially, for Jamison,

“[her interest in] Morgellons disease started as a novelty: people said they had a strange disease, and no one—or hardly anyone—believed them. But there were a lot of them, almost twelve thousand of them, and their numbers were growing. Their illness manifested in lots of ways: sores, itching, fatigue, pain, and something called formication, the sensation of crawling insects. But its defining symptom was always the same: strange fibers emerging from underneath the skin” (31).

However, the novelty soon evolved into a more profound interest in the well-being of a community whose symptoms and feelings are often denied. The essay introduces readers to some of the individuals within the Morgellons community, providing insights into their lives, struggles, and search for validation. Jamison listens to their stories, their accounts of feeling alienated, misunderstood and stigmatized due to their condition. Through her interviews, she discovers that many Morgellons sufferers have been desperate for a diagnosis and treatment that they believe would bring relief to their distressing symptoms. Jamison does not attempt to provide a definitive conclusion on the medical legitimacy of Morgellons disease. Instead, she explores the complexities of belief and the power of shared experiences within the community. She reflects on the human need for recognition, empathy, and understanding in the face of illness and adversity.

In “Grand Unified Theory of Female Pain,” Jamison explores the representation and perception of female pain throughout history and in contemporary culture. Jamison analyzes famous female artists who incorporated their pain into their work and how society often dismisses or fetishizes female suffering. Furthermore, in “The Broken Heart of America”, Jamison delves into the impact of a devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri. She examines the emotional aftermath of the disaster, the shared sense of loss and grief, and how empathy plays a role in healing and recovery.

These anecdotes and narratives in "The Empathy Exams" offer readers a glimpse into how emotion shapes the human experience, inviting contemplation on empathy, pain, connection, and the complexities of understanding others. Jamison even pulls from her own personal experiences of having an abortion and the emotional complexities that arise from that decision. She reflects on society's judgments and the moral dilemmas she faced during this period of her life.

"The Empathy Exams" is more than a collection of essays; it is an embrace, a validation, and an exploration of the uncharted territories of pain and understanding. For chronic illness patients, this book becomes a guiding light through the labyrinth of their experiences, a companion that acknowledges their struggles and invites them to partake in the tapestry of empathy that binds us all.

Citations: Jamison, L. (2014). The Empathy Exams. Graywolf Press.