New Releases by Melanie Verwoerd

Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy: Life Lessons From a Crisis

"I devoured this book. Truly, the work of an artist and a creator."
Dr Erika Mitchell, MD

Following the discovery of a large ovarian tumour, Melanie was forced to undergo radical hysterectomy surgery.
The physical recovery was painful, messy and took much longer than expected. However, even more surprising was the deeper, soul-searching questions that the procedure brought to the fore.
In the process of both the physical and mental recoveries, Melanie had to come to terms with the rage, pain and grief of the hysterectomy specifically and many other losses in general, whilst investigating what she wanted to do with the second part of her life. The only way for her to make sense of what was happening was to write.
This book is the brutally honest reflection of the year that followed the operation.
While Melanie’s journey is brutally honest, it is also hope giving, and insists that women’s voices be heard.

“Melanie Verwoerd is wise, funny, and brutally honest; this is a book for women of all ages who face a crucial challenge in life. Her journey through her hysterectomy is a lesson in resilience and feminine spirit. I wish Melanie would have been near when I was most broken and scared. I promise that you will not be able to put her book down!’”
Isabele Allende

About the Author

Melanie Verwoerd is a former Member of the South African Parliament, former South African Ambassador to Ireland, and was the ExecutiveDirector of UNICEF Ireland. She is a published author, columnist and top-rated political analyst from Cape Town. Her bestselling memoir, When We Dance, was published in 2012.