Daniel isn't Talking by Marti Leimbach

[Kathryn]

Hi All

 

This is a new book which looks really interesting. It's set in the UK, and is about a family whose 3 year old child has been diagnosed with autism, and the crises and struggles that result. Sound familiar? I haven't read it yet as it's only just been released but there's more information and reviews here.

 

K

[Tally]

The author was interviewed briefly on BBC news this morning.

 

It is a novel, but is loosely based on her experiences with her own autistic son, who is now aged 11.

 

She talked about the importance of early intervention. She said that her son now played and had friends, but before he did not seem to enjoy anything. She said that he is still autistic, of course, but that he copes far better now and enjoys things more.

[Kathryn]

I missed the interview. I didn't know the author had an autistic child. I still haven't bought the book, but it's on my "to do" list!.

 

K

[Guest hallyscomet]

Thanks Kathryn,

 

Sounds like a re-run of my life story - almost

 

H

Edited March 13, 2006 by hallyscomet

[Brook]

Hi Kathryn,

 

This book looks really good.

 

They are also considering making it into a drama.

 

http://www.filmstew.com/Content/Article.as...ntID=13595&Pg=1

 

Brook

[Kathryn]

Thanks for the link, Brook, I can see how it would make quite a good film.

 

I've actually just finished the book and whilst I enjoyed much of it and identified with some of it, parts of it also irritated me - especially the plot (struggling woman rescued by understanding and competent male figure) and some of the views about autism that were expressed.

 

I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone wanting to know more about autism, not just because it's fiction, but because of the sweeping generalisations: all special schools are terrible places; parents with high functioning children have it easy- were two of the more alarming ones.

 

Having pulled it to pieces I have to say it's an easy read - a good one for the holidays and worth getting in case your friends read it and ask you about it.

 

If anyone else has read it, I'd love to know what you think.

 

K

[Tally]

I'd agree, it's not a book to educate you about autism, but then it's not intended to be. I think if the author'd had a child with high-functioning autism, she would have written a novel about the different struggles associated with that. It's easy to feel like you have it bad and everyone else has it easier, that's human nature, and I don't think it was an intentional dig at anyone, even though it appeared that way.

 

It's enjoyable and easy to read, and as a novel, I'd recommend it. Hopefully it will also help to raise awareness of autism.