By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 23 October 2022, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major, released the book ‘O Happy Fault: Thriving While Defeating Cancer’ at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco, Lonavla. Ms Shinu Jose, a Salesian Cooperator from Don Bosco Makarpura, is the author of the book which speaks of her family’s journey in faith while faced with the uncertainty of the struggle against cancer.

Cancer is known to have the power to wreak havoc on many lives. Living the diagnosis and going through treatment protocols without knowing what the outcome may be, is even more debilitating. However, Ms Jose, in her book, portrays cancer as a blessing in disguise - a time when faith becomes stronger, and the family comes closer. This is also a time when having a loving, supporting community becomes a blessing - physicians, friends and well-wishers - who make the journey less burdensome.

Though the book deals with a serious topic such as cancer, it is a light read. Ms Jose has in her own charming way made this book a realistic, human, and humorous retelling of an exciting adventure of a family rallying together to overcome cancer. The chapters have a sweet blend of tension and calm, of worry and peace. And for those who are unaware of what a person suffering from cancer goes through, the procedure and treatment is spelt out clearly and interwoven into the story.

Every chapter has beautiful illustrations depicting the theme drawn by Ms Joyce Chacko, the family friend of Ms Jose. In addition, the book also has photographs taken during the timeframe of the story thereby giving the story more veracity. While adding to the aesthetics, they also keep the book light, easy to read and fun.

Ms Jose’s book has been published by Tej-Prasarini, and is priced at ₹299. She has also made it known that the proceeds of the book would be donated to the aspirantate at Don Bosco, Lonavla.