The Invisible Kingdom

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This landmark exploration delves into the rise of chronic illness and autoimmune diseases, a silent epidemic affecting millions of Americans. These conditions are often poorly understood, marginalized, and can remain undiagnosed. Renowned writer Meghan O'Rourke presents a revelatory investigation into this elusive category of 'invisible' illness, which includes autoimmune diseases, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and long COVID. Drawing from her own medical experiences and a decade of interviews with doctors, patients, researchers, and public health experts, O'Rourke examines the history of Western definitions of illness. She reveals how inherited ideas about cause, diagnosis, and treatment have led to the neglect of complex medical conditions that resist simple explanations or cures. As America grapples with this significant health crisis, vulnerable populations, including women, the working class, and people of color, are often overlooked. Blending lyricism with erudition, candor, and empathy, O'Rourke synthesizes her roles as critic, journalist, poet, teacher, and patient. This monumental project advocates for a seismic shift in our approach to disease, offering hope for the sick and insight for their loved ones, while fostering a radical new understanding of our bodies and health.