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bojojotiThe Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
Lou Arrendale was a man whose life was defined by his autism. Although he was extremely intelligent and high functioning, his diagnosis trapped him in many ways. The author did an insightful job of allowing the reader to live with autism as experienced through Lou Arrendale's eyes.
Lou Arrendale was a man whose life was defined by his autism. Although he was extremely intelligent and high functioning, his diagnosis trapped him in many ways. The author did an insightful job of allowing the reader to live with autism as experienced through Lou Arrendale's eyes.
As I began reading, it was difficult not to compare Lou to the character in Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes; however this was a very different story. Lou was brilliant in many ways. He could compute difficult mathematical problems in his head. His job dealt with patterns, mathematics, and problem solving. Flower's Charlie was mentally retarded and blissfully unaware of being a misfit in society. Lou struggled daily to try to fit into a world he didn't understand. He was painfully aware that he was not "normal." Not only were the characters very different, but the books differed greatly in the writing. Flowers had a satisfying rhythm and pattern; Speed of Dark plodded along methodically until the end, gave a climax at the speed of light, and it was done. I'm not certain the author meant her abrupt ending to make a point, but it was disappointing to me. Also disappointing were the villains of the piece: they were one-dimensional and unbelievable. I could have bought their characterizations if the writer had allowed me to see them only through Lou's eyes, but she gave references through several characters who painted the villains the same one-note way.
Speed of Dark didn't really tell a story as much as it allowed the reader to “be” the character of Lou Arrendale. I was enthralled with Lou. I felt his frustration of trying to read faces and interpret language. I rejoiced in his small triumphs, and I agonized at the rudeness he encountered in dealing with people who mistakenly considered him mentally retarded.
Ms. Moon depicted the struggles of an autistic person with the insight that came from raising a son similarly afflicted. Her intimate knowledge allowed her to craft a character who breathed off the page. His yearnings became my yearnings, his pain, my pain. I understood his fears and I cheered on his dreams. I hoped that people would be more patient, less loud, more understanding toward him. I was totally immersed in the character of autistic Lou, and I loved him just as he was. I won't go further, because I wouldn't want to spoil the book for anyone else.
Many stories have characters who pop out of existence when I finish my read and snap the book closed. Other books have characters who cling to me at the finish of the story. Lou wafted about me, niggling my brain, long after I finished the book. His story disturbed me and made me consider some deep and significant issues.
(Rated **** 4/5)
P.S. I've decided to rate the books. It will give you a better idea of how much I liked it, and it will help me to know when I've forgotten the book and I return to see what I thought of it. Because my head is like a sieve.
I was inspired by the effulgent and effervescentruthette to include ratings with my reviews.
Speed of Dark didn't really tell a story as much as it allowed the reader to “be” the character of Lou Arrendale. I was enthralled with Lou. I felt his frustration of trying to read faces and interpret language. I rejoiced in his small triumphs, and I agonized at the rudeness he encountered in dealing with people who mistakenly considered him mentally retarded.
Ms. Moon depicted the struggles of an autistic person with the insight that came from raising a son similarly afflicted. Her intimate knowledge allowed her to craft a character who breathed off the page. His yearnings became my yearnings, his pain, my pain. I understood his fears and I cheered on his dreams. I hoped that people would be more patient, less loud, more understanding toward him. I was totally immersed in the character of autistic Lou, and I loved him just as he was. I won't go further, because I wouldn't want to spoil the book for anyone else.
Many stories have characters who pop out of existence when I finish my read and snap the book closed. Other books have characters who cling to me at the finish of the story. Lou wafted about me, niggling my brain, long after I finished the book. His story disturbed me and made me consider some deep and significant issues.
(Rated **** 4/5)
P.S. I've decided to rate the books. It will give you a better idea of how much I liked it, and it will help me to know when I've forgotten the book and I return to see what I thought of it. Because my head is like a sieve.
I was inspired by the effulgent and effervescent
ruthette to include ratings with my reviews.
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Date: 2007-10-09 03:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-10 07:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-10 07:04 pm (UTC)