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 Life Is a Blessing: A Biography of Jerome Lejeune-Geneticist, Doctor, Father
(By: Clara Lejeune, 2006-07-14)
Dr.
Jerome Lejeune (1926-1994) was one of the fathers of modern
genetics, an exceptional scientist, and the man who discovered Trisomy-21,
the most common form of Down’s Syndrome. Nonetheless, his
work was greatly downplayed because of his strong commitment to
the weakest members of society: the unborn.
What makes this
biography so interesting is that it presents a portrait of
an exceptional man as painted by his own daughter. The
author writes from a heart full of admiration, but without
falling into sentimentalism or hagiography.
This story intertwines both family
and professional history, going from one time period to another
in a way that makes the narrative dynamic and attractive.
It shows the difficulties Lejeune had to face as he
went from being a scientific superstar of international renown, to
being rejected and sidelined by the scientific community because of
his opposition to abortion.
The reader is brought to a
deep respect and admiration for a man who exercised the
virtues of patience, teamwork, service, kindness and courage, both in
his personal and professional life, and who was able to
face his own death with peace and serenity.
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