On Immunity

“A thoughtful and poetic exploration of the ongoing discourse around vaccination and immunity, On Immunity is a fantastic introduction to the cultural and historical context of vaccine hesitancy, from the perspective of a mother wanting to do what is best for her child.” (Owen Gower, General Manager)

Reflecting on her own experience as a new mother, Biss investigates the metaphors and myths surrounding our conception of immunity and its implications for the individual and the social body. She extends a conversation with other mothers to meditations on Voltaire's Candide, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, Susan Sontag's AIDS and Its Metaphors, and beyond. On Immunity is an inoculation against our fear and a moving account of how we are all interconnected our bodies and our fates.