In “Cut Off,” Ira Feinstein gets right up to the sharp edge of medical science and discovers its immense complexities.
Revelation of a BRACA gene mutation and a subsequent surgery saves his life, while stirring layer upon layer of unresolved grief, loneliness, and confusion. He must return to memories of his childhood, including the far too early deaths of both parents, to make sense of his own trembling identity, and the decisions that are necessary if he’s to become who he’s meant to be.
– Debra Gwartney, author of Live Through This and I am a Stranger Here Myself
Ira Feinstein is a poetic memoirist, painting scenes from his life with a thoughtful and wry sensibility that slowly blooms within the reader long after exposure.
His writing surprises with unexpected humor in the midst of trauma and darkness through losing his parents at a young age, grappling with his assigned gender identity, a burgeoning sexuality, all while the threat of cancer looms all around him. Both the reader and author become more connected to themselves and the world around them after taking this journey together.
– Anita Mechler, co-founder, writer, and editor of Drinkers With Writing Problems
Ira’s writing is evocative and lyrical.
Ira has a gift for humor, which he deploys not to deflect emotional impact, but to guide the reader into the emotional depths underneath the absurdity.
– Ryiah Nevo, hospice nurse
Ira Feinstein, MFA 