On The Spectrum by Jennifer Gold
So this is an intriguing one. A story of a young American girl with an eating disorder that goes to live with her rather dysfunctional step family in Paris. When I say dysfunctional, I mean leaving her ballet dancing mother with an eating disorder to live with her father and his hippy/new age partner and their autistic son. And did I mention the ethnic/multi cultural love interest! I know what your thinking, a bit much huh. That’s what I thought. It does seem like it’s trying to cram a little too much into the story, there’s acceptance and then there’s ramming it down your throat. But there’s one issue with that. The story of the relationship between Clara and Alastair is incredible. You go on such a journey with them and almost despite everything else going on in the story, their blossoming relationship is undeniably heart-warming and at times heart wrenching. You do get the impression the story is trying too hard but believe me, keep going, from Clara managing to eat a slice of pizza to Alastair going on a Ferris Wheel, you'll walk in their shoes.I have a daughter who is “on the spectrum” and after reading this, I gave her an extra long cuddle at bedtime.
This is an incredible piece of story telling.
Available 12th September 2017
