This Might Surprise You - by Hayley Gullen Hardcover

About the Book

An honest and deeply moving graphic memoir from Hayley Gullen documenting her breast cancer diagnosis at 37

Book Synopsis

'It's as if Hayley has been inside my head and captured every thought I had during treatment . . . an honest, brave, no-holds barred account'
Liz O'Riordan, surgeon and breast cancer survivor

'Hilarious, complex, honest and profound. Every page made me laugh. Most of them also made me cry.'
Ian Dunt, political journalist and broadcaster

This is a cancer story you'll actually want to read. With humour and honesty, it details Hayley Gullen's fight for individuality during the toughest time of her life.

But this is no ordinary account. Hayley takes you on her journey with an uplifting, quirky graphic memoir which outlines her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 37. She illustrates her experiences navigating the NHS and the importance of maintaining her sense of self throughout the dehumanising process of cancer treatment.

The storytelling and cartoons are perfectly paired to show the emotional ups and downs of living with cancer. This book is a companion for anyone facing treatment, helping them to feel less alone, as well as for their loved ones.

Review Quotes

"...bravely explores this life changing journey, with both pathos, grit and humor" --Sonja O'Hara, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and actress

"This is truly brilliant. It will help so many people" --Dr Anisha Patel, GP, author and cancer survivor

"A refreshing take on the cancer pathway from someone who truly knows. Will help those affected and those not to understand" --Dr Philippa Kaye

"Absolutely fabulous and should be prescribed for every woman starting their treatment" --Greg Wise

"A poignant, funny, heart wrenching, beautifully artistic look at the rollercoaster of cancer and the aftermath of recovery. It is a story for the cancer patient and their community; a piece of a map for when the world feels like it is falling apart" --Gaia Wise

"One of the most truthful and unflinching accounts of a diagnosis and navigating the cancer system. It is heartwarming, and soft, but also is unflinching in the anger and despair I know so many of us feel." --Rosa Hesmondhalgh, actress and cancer survivor

"It resonates with you as a patient... a brilliant read" --Breast Cancer Now podcast

"Funny, frank and insightful" --Broken Frontier

"...spirited graphic memoir debut...Readers navigating medical hardship will appreciate the chummy humor on display here" --Publishers Weekly

"Hayley's graphic novel will be relevant to a number of breast cancer patients and those close to them... This Might Surprise You is an honest portrayal of breast cancer and will make an excellent addition to a graphic medicine collection" --Graphic Medicine

About the Author

Hayley Gullen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, aged 37. She's recovered now, but life will never be the same again. She lives in South London with her husband and daughter and - alongside her cartoons - works as a freelance fundraiser.