BOOKS FROM UNITED KINGDOMSchtum
by Jem Lester
Description:
'Will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think' Graeme Simsion Inspired by the author's experiences with his own son, SHTUM is a novel about three generations of a family learning how to get along. Ten-year-old Jonah lives in a world of his own. He likes colours and feathers and the feel of fresh air on his skin. He dislikes sudden loud noises and any change to his daily routine. Jonah has never spoken, yet somehow he communicates better than all of the adults in his life. 'Fiercely funny ... an unforgettable first novel' The Times 'A book with true heart and soul' Joanna Cannon, author of The Trouble With Goats and Sheep What readers are saying about this heartwarming book from Jem Lester: 'This book has gone onto my all-time favourite list' 'This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time.' 'I cried my heart out.' 'A gripping and emotional story.' 'Brilliant humour.'
Reviews:
(4 months ago) |
25 Jul, 2024
Story of a families struggle to secure the future for their Autistic son. Despite the subject matter don’t be fooled into thinking this story is depressing; it is funny, witty and full of love and life.
The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is beautiful and ironic as it’s the nonverbal child who teaches his adult men how to communicate bringing healing and challenge especially for the boys father. The author is a father to an autistic son making this story although fictional in the main believable. Particularly it highlights and sympathetically portrays the love, guilt, exhaustion and rage felt by the parents of disabled children especially when battling an unwealdy education and legal system. Don’t be fooled by the subject matter of struggles of raising a disabled child into thinking it’s all doom and gloom. I loved this book
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