About the book
From butcher's daughter in communist Hungary to winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, this is the story of one woman's extraordinary determination and her breakthrough discovery that saved millions of lives.
'Riveting. A true story of a brilliant biochemist who never gave up or gave in' BONNIE GARMUS
'This remarkable memoir ... is a joy to read' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Karikó's story is an inspiration' BILL GATES
Katalin Karikó began life as a butcher’s daughter in communist Hungary. Raised in a one-room home of clay and straw with no running water, she saw potential everywhere: in the promise of a seed, in the alchemy of soap, in the scarlet of a carcass.
Breaking Through is the extraordinary story of her courageous determination – first to become a scientist, and then to unlock an elusive molecule she believed could revolutionise medicine. Others disagreed, and for decades she endured demotions, discrimination and even threats of deportation. Yet Karikó persevered, ultimately making a world-shifting discovery: the mRNA vaccine technology that saved millions of lives and will transform healthcare forever.
'A vividly written, absorbing memoir’ GUARDIAN
'It is almost impossible not to feel moved by this story' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
'Will make you laugh, think and maybe even readjust the way you see the world' KATJA HOYER
*An Amazon Best Book of the Year* *One of Nature's five best science books for 2024* *A Financial Times Best Summer Book of 2024*
Editions of Breaking Through
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781847928252
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781529936391
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529936384
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781529936957
Read an Excerpt
From butcher's daughter in communist Hungary to winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, this is the story of one woman's extraordinary determination and her breakthrough discovery that saved millions of lives.
'Riveting. A true story of a brilliant biochemist who never gave up or gave in' BONNIE GARMUS
'This remarkable memoir ... is a joy to read' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Karikó's story is an inspiration' BILL GATES
Katalin Karikó began life as a butcher’s daughter in communist Hungary. Raised in a one-room home of clay and straw with no running water, she saw potential everywhere: in the promise of a seed, in the alchemy of soap, in the scarlet of a carcass.
Breaking Through is the extraordinary story of her courageous determination – first to become a scientist, and then to unlock an elusive molecule she believed could revolutionise medicine. Others disagreed, and for decades she endured demotions, discrimination and even threats of deportation. Yet Karikó persevered, ultimately making a world-shifting discovery: the mRNA vaccine technology that saved millions of lives and will transform healthcare forever.
'A vividly written, absorbing memoir’ GUARDIAN
'It is almost impossible not to feel moved by this story' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
'Will make you laugh, think and maybe even readjust the way you see the world' KATJA HOYER
*An Amazon Best Book of the Year* *One of Nature's five best science books for 2024* *A Financial Times Best Summer Book of 2024*
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breaking Through about?
From butcher's daughter in communist Hungary to winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, this is the story of one woman's extraordinary determination and her breakthrough discovery that saved millions of lives.
'Riveting. A true story of a brilliant biochemist who never gave up or gave in' BONNIE GARMUS
'This remarkable memoir ... is a joy to read' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Karikó's story is an inspiration' BILL GATES
Katalin Karikó began life as a butcher’s daughter in communist Hungary. Raised in a one-room home of clay and straw with no running water, she saw potential everywhere: in the promise of a seed, in the alchemy of soap, in the scarlet of a carcass.
Breaking Through is the extraordinary story of her courageous determination – first to become a scientist, and then to unlock an elusive molecule she believed could revolutionise medicine. Others disagreed, and for decades she endured demotions, discrimination and even threats of deportation. Yet Karikó persevered, ultimately making a world-shifting discovery: the mRNA vaccine technology that saved millions of lives and will transform healthcare forever.
'A vividly written, absorbing memoir’ GUARDIAN
'It is almost impossible not to feel moved by this story' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
'Will make you laugh, think and maybe even readjust the way you see the world' KATJA HOYER
*An Amazon Best Book of the Year* *One of Nature's five best science books for 2024* *A Financial Times Best Summer Book of 2024*
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Breaking Through?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: science, technology and medicine > Autobiography: science, technology and medicine
Where can I read a sample of Breaking Through?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781847928252
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Breaking Through?
Katalin Karikó
Who is the Publisher of the book Breaking Through?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Breaking Through is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781847928252) and paperback(ISBN 9781529936391) and ebook(ISBN 9781529936384) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781529936957)
Where can I buy Breaking Through online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Breaking Through from below
Where can I buy Breaking Through?