1st book finished for my Summer Reading ChallengeDeafening by Frances Itani
WINNER of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize - Best Book (Caribbean & Canada) 2004, Shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2005
Rating: 4 (Very Good)
You can tell that Itani is a poet; each word seemed to be chosen with care. The story follows Grania, who lost her hearing after having scarlet fever at age 5, from childhood to her marriage during WWI. The beginning chapters that described her relearning to communicate, and her family's various reactions to her deafness, were wonderful. Through Itani's rich details, we're allowed into her life and begin to understand what it must have been like to be deaf at that time. As a result, the contrast between her quiet, internal life with the intense noise, and trauma of the war scenes was all the more vivid. Slow at times, but never boring; a touching story.
"Sound is always more important to the hearing."
Hello !
ReplyDeleteHappy to read you !
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Reno
I am so glad to hear this is a good book! I bought it in hardcover, but have yet to read it! I thought the story sounded interesting. I have to say also that the cover is much more attractive on your edition! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it when you get around to it. It's the UK paperback cover, and yes, it's not bad compared to the US one or even the Canadian one. I always find the difference in covers interesting. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, yay. I know I am behind, but I missed this post. I bought this book the other day, now I just need to read it!
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