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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This review was originally posted on StrupagBen is father to Jonah, a profoundly autistic ten year old who doesn't speak, has no sense of danger, is doubly incontinent and requires full-time care.
The time has come to arrange Jonah's progression to secondary school. Ben and his wife Emma deem the council's selected school wholly inappropriate for Jonah's needs and so face an appeal and tribunal to get the best placement for their son.
Emma informs Ben that their appeal would be more likely to succeed should Jonah live with a single parent, more specifically a single father. So it is that Ben and Jonah move in with Ben's 78 year old father Georg and Emma leaves for Hong Kong on business, putting the responsibility for the appeal firmly at Ben's door.
Ben and his father have never been particularly close, but the three generations of Jewells begin life under one roof. This is an aspect of the book I particularly enjoyed - 3 generations of Jewell men living together. Ben and Georg who won't speak and Jonah who doesn't speak. We witness the bonds between them and the rebuilding of a somewhat dysfunctional relationship between father and son. We also see the beautiful relationship between a grandfather and his mute, autistic grandson.
The fact that Ben and Georg both confide in Jonah was rather interesting. Their secrets are after all safe with him; he doesn't talk. Ben overhears Georg share their family history with Jonah, things he had never been told or thought to ask. While at first Ben is jealous, eventually he sees it for what it is, a grandfather sharing stories with his grandson.
I really loved how we gradually uncovered the family history along with Ben. Georg was born in Hungary to a Jewish family before fleeing the Nazis. This whole aspect of the story was fascinating and heartbreaking. Oh and just when you think this story couldn't possibly get more emotional Georg (a brilliant character) faces his own health problems.
The main focus of this story though is Jonah, his autism and Ben's fight to get the best for his son. Honestly, this book is an eye-opener. While I perhaps thought myself somewhat familiar with autism, I realise now that I absolutely was not.
The author Jem Lester is himself father to a profoundly autistic child and this knowledge further increases the impact of this incredible book: from the details of day-to-day life, to the corresponding emotions; the inability to be selfish, giving all his attention to Jonah (when sober); from the frustration and anger to the incomparable happiness in the rare moment when Jonah allows physical contact. Not only did it open my eyes but the honesty of it tugged at my heart.
The book itself is written beautifully and in such a way that the love for Jonah shines through. It's an emotional read but it's an absolute must-read.
It educated me, not just with regards to autism itself but also the impact upon the families, their relationships and the isolation they endure. It also demonstrated the difficult, lengthy and emotional journey that is involved in getting help or care. Furthermore, I was astounded to discover the costs involved in an appeal or tribunal, together with the actual cost of residential placement itself. Truly, these are incredible figures and highlight the difficulties faced by many. Moreover, it is saddening to see the direct impact that cost cutting by the authorities can have on those that truly need the help. This may be a work of fiction but the issues addressed in this novel are far from fictional!
I enjoyed the way this story was told. Intertwined with the story itself are letters regarding Jonah's care, family letters as well as dialogue from the tribunal. This variety of story-telling kept me thoroughly engaged and desperate to read on.
This is a multi-stranded novel. From the relationships between fathers and sons to the impact of autism, from alcohol addiction to escaping Nazi Hungary. This novel is packed with issues and emotion.
I could go on for hours about Shtum - I've actually read it twice - but what I really want to say is just read it! It's a special novel that will educate while simultaneously breaking your heart.
The time has come to arrange Jonah's progression to secondary school. Ben and his wife Emma deem the council's selected school wholly inappropriate for Jonah's needs and so face an appeal and tribunal to get the best placement for their son.
Emma informs Ben that their appeal would be more likely to succeed should Jonah live with a single parent, more specifically a single father. So it is that Ben and Jonah move in with Ben's 78 year old father Georg and Emma leaves for Hong Kong on business, putting the responsibility for the appeal firmly at Ben's door.
Ben and his father have never been particularly close, but the three generations of Jewells begin life under one roof. This is an aspect of the book I particularly enjoyed - 3 generations of Jewell men living together. Ben and Georg who won't speak and Jonah who doesn't speak. We witness the bonds between them and the rebuilding of a somewhat dysfunctional relationship between father and son. We also see the beautiful relationship between a grandfather and his mute, autistic grandson.
The fact that Ben and Georg both confide in Jonah was rather interesting. Their secrets are after all safe with him; he doesn't talk. Ben overhears Georg share their family history with Jonah, things he had never been told or thought to ask. While at first Ben is jealous, eventually he sees it for what it is, a grandfather sharing stories with his grandson.
I really loved how we gradually uncovered the family history along with Ben. Georg was born in Hungary to a Jewish family before fleeing the Nazis. This whole aspect of the story was fascinating and heartbreaking. Oh and just when you think this story couldn't possibly get more emotional Georg (a brilliant character) faces his own health problems.
The main focus of this story though is Jonah, his autism and Ben's fight to get the best for his son. Honestly, this book is an eye-opener. While I perhaps thought myself somewhat familiar with autism, I realise now that I absolutely was not.
The author Jem Lester is himself father to a profoundly autistic child and this knowledge further increases the impact of this incredible book: from the details of day-to-day life, to the corresponding emotions; the inability to be selfish, giving all his attention to Jonah (when sober); from the frustration and anger to the incomparable happiness in the rare moment when Jonah allows physical contact. Not only did it open my eyes but the honesty of it tugged at my heart.
The book itself is written beautifully and in such a way that the love for Jonah shines through. It's an emotional read but it's an absolute must-read.
It educated me, not just with regards to autism itself but also the impact upon the families, their relationships and the isolation they endure. It also demonstrated the difficult, lengthy and emotional journey that is involved in getting help or care. Furthermore, I was astounded to discover the costs involved in an appeal or tribunal, together with the actual cost of residential placement itself. Truly, these are incredible figures and highlight the difficulties faced by many. Moreover, it is saddening to see the direct impact that cost cutting by the authorities can have on those that truly need the help. This may be a work of fiction but the issues addressed in this novel are far from fictional!
I enjoyed the way this story was told. Intertwined with the story itself are letters regarding Jonah's care, family letters as well as dialogue from the tribunal. This variety of story-telling kept me thoroughly engaged and desperate to read on.
This is a multi-stranded novel. From the relationships between fathers and sons to the impact of autism, from alcohol addiction to escaping Nazi Hungary. This novel is packed with issues and emotion.
I could go on for hours about Shtum - I've actually read it twice - but what I really want to say is just read it! It's a special novel that will educate while simultaneously breaking your heart.
An incredibly moving story about autism (and so much more). It made me feel pretty much every emotion out there and the humour was right up my street - super sarcastic. I can't recommend this book enough, if you're prepared to not want to put it down until it's finished!
Though one of the author comments says that this book is about autism and marriage, I would argue that even more, it's about redemption.
Originally posted on http://deeceesbooks.blogspot.co.uk
Even though Shtum is not released until April this year the reviews have been flying in and it clearly sounds like it's going to be the book of 2016 so I knew I had to read it but I really wasn't sure if it would be for me. I have to say though as soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down and read it in two sittings.
It was a thought provoking read and stirred up so many emotions through the book, I found myself laughing, nearly crying, angry and sometimes I was so irritated I just wanted to pull Ben out and give him a good shake, Emma a slap and Jonah a huge big cuddle.
The story is written so well, you just seem to get absorbed into it and I was left at the end feeling like I knew this family, like I had lived through it all with them. The only criticism I would have is the end of the book, I really enjoyed it but felt like this could have gone on to be a separate story.
All in all a fantastic read and one I will be recommending to all my friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.
Even though Shtum is not released until April this year the reviews have been flying in and it clearly sounds like it's going to be the book of 2016 so I knew I had to read it but I really wasn't sure if it would be for me. I have to say though as soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down and read it in two sittings.
It was a thought provoking read and stirred up so many emotions through the book, I found myself laughing, nearly crying, angry and sometimes I was so irritated I just wanted to pull Ben out and give him a good shake, Emma a slap and Jonah a huge big cuddle.
The story is written so well, you just seem to get absorbed into it and I was left at the end feeling like I knew this family, like I had lived through it all with them. The only criticism I would have is the end of the book, I really enjoyed it but felt like this could have gone on to be a separate story.
All in all a fantastic read and one I will be recommending to all my friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, this was beautifully written. It felt honest, and sad, and joyous.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but it was recommended at my local Waterstones a while ago, and fed into my interest of Autism.
Although sometimes quite difficult because of the topics it covers, the author's style makes it easy to read, and I really enjoyed it.
What I really appreciated with Shtum is that it doesn't fall into the quirky, Hollywood version of autism we very often see in media these days.
Here you see what it's like to have a child with severe autism, and an almost complete lack of social or emotional capabilities. And how it impacts your daily life, your relationships and interactions with people outside of your family.
The fact that Jem Lester has an autistic son definitely helped make this aspect of the story more realistic.
You enter the life of a complicated relationships to begin with, mostly due to lack of communication, lots of raw untold feelings which then turned into resentment.
The way these characters and feelings are portrayed was very realistic and it was very realistic, and it was difficult, and sometimes very frustrating to watch Ben and Emma's relationship crumble and Ben reaching breaking point.
It still made me smile and laugh at times, seeing how everyone loves Jonah, and their love for him and want for his wellbeing is pretty much what is keeping them together.
I loved the relationship between Jonah and his grandfather
Not very lighthearted, but a great and interesting read.
Although sometimes quite difficult because of the topics it covers, the author's style makes it easy to read, and I really enjoyed it.
What I really appreciated with Shtum is that it doesn't fall into the quirky, Hollywood version of autism we very often see in media these days.
Here you see what it's like to have a child with severe autism, and an almost complete lack of social or emotional capabilities. And how it impacts your daily life, your relationships and interactions with people outside of your family.
The fact that Jem Lester has an autistic son definitely helped make this aspect of the story more realistic.
You enter the life of a complicated relationships to begin with, mostly due to lack of communication, lots of raw untold feelings which then turned into resentment.
The way these characters and feelings are portrayed was very realistic and it was very realistic, and it was difficult, and sometimes very frustrating to watch Ben and Emma's relationship crumble and Ben reaching breaking point.
It still made me smile and laugh at times, seeing how everyone loves Jonah, and their love for him and want for his wellbeing is pretty much what is keeping them together.
I loved the relationship between Jonah and his grandfather
Not very lighthearted, but a great and interesting read.
Shtum is a heartwarming story about an autistic boy called Jonah and his family. In the continuation of the story you get to know more and more about the background of the family members and develop a strong connection towards them. I really loved the book (4,5/5⭐️).
*
Shtum ist eine wahnsinnig tolle und fesselnde Geschichte über den 10-jährige autistischen Jonah und seine Familie. Im Laufe der Geschichte lernt man die einzelnen Charaktere und vor allem ihre Vergangenheit und ihre Probleme immer tiefer kennen. Je weiter man liest, desto klarer wird, warum die einzelnen Personen so handeln wie sie handeln. Inmitten dieser ganzen Probleme befindet sich Jonah. Mein Fazit: absolut lesenswert! (4,5/5⭐️)
*
Shtum ist eine wahnsinnig tolle und fesselnde Geschichte über den 10-jährige autistischen Jonah und seine Familie. Im Laufe der Geschichte lernt man die einzelnen Charaktere und vor allem ihre Vergangenheit und ihre Probleme immer tiefer kennen. Je weiter man liest, desto klarer wird, warum die einzelnen Personen so handeln wie sie handeln. Inmitten dieser ganzen Probleme befindet sich Jonah. Mein Fazit: absolut lesenswert! (4,5/5⭐️)
There are so many layers in this book, and every single one of them is perfect. It was beautiful and funny and heart breaking and I can't wait to reread it. My favourite book I've read in 2017 so far :)
This is an amazing novel is so many things heartbreaking, brutal, honest, beautiful, and even funny at times. It is the story of a family trying to find the best educational solution for there severely autistic and u son, Jonah. Ben and Emma decide that is is best to fake a separation so that Jonah will be raised by a single father, hoping that this will better their case for obtaining residential care for Jonah. Ben and Jonah go to live with Ben's father, Georg. With these three generations of men living together, Jonah can't communicate and Ben and Georg won't. The entire family is really grasping at their last straws to do the best for Jonah, but along the way so many secrets have been kept that they don't even know each other anymore. I thought that the ending of this novel was truly amazing. I read this in a a day, really unable to put it down.
Shtum’ comes from the Yiddish word meaning silent or non-communicative which is highly appropriate for this novel on many levels. Firstly there is Jonah Jewell (or JJ as his grandfather calls him), who does not talk, and his father Ben and grandfather, Georg, who choose not to communicate!
Jonah is 10 and is high on the autistic spectrum; he is unable to communicate through speech and has limited non-verbal communication, is not toilet trained and fully reliant on his parents for his every need. The local authority has decided that a local non-residential secondary school newly specialising in autism is the best place for him however Ben and Emma do not agree and are at breaking point. Ben and Emma’s salvation is Highgrove Manor which is a residential school fully equipped to meet Jonah’s needs, giving him the best possible education, sense of security and quality of life however this comes at a high cost, £200,000 a term which is to be paid for by the local authority.
Emma comes up with the idea of a fake separation to increase their chances in overturning the local authority’s decision. As such, Ben and Jonah move in with Georg, Ben’s 78 year old father. Ben and Georg have a difficult relationship – mainly due to their own inability to communicate with each other. Ben runs the business his father built up however this mainly involves delegating to Valentine and being down the pub drowning his sorrows at the bottom of a pint glass on the pretence of a ‘meeting’. Ben is an alcoholic, he seems both aware and in denial of this fact.
Georg is brilliant with Jonah, taking care of him and communicating without words and seems able to open up to him about his past, much to his son’s annoyance as Ben feels that he can’t talk to him about his heritage.
I loved Lester’s writing style and how the book is both funny and heartwarming at the same time, told from Ben’s perspective, it gives a insight into to life of a single-parent with an autistic child – the challenges that they face doing the most simple of tasks. Lester really brings home the things that parents take for granted, the milestones that children hit which may be difficult or unobtainable for children on the autistic spectrum to achieve.
I really enjoyed the dynamics between Ben and Georg, their way of communicating and the short sentences back and forth. I absolutely adored Georg, he’s the no-nonsense father who is an amazing grandfather, both pushing of Ben and caring to Jonah. His wit and dry sense of humour won me over right from the start. I warmed to Ben as the story went on, as we were shown more depth to his character.
Whilst Shtum is a wonderful book about the challenges of children on the autistic spectrum, how their parents feel isolated and have to fight for a decent education fitting of their child’s needs, Shtum also about the dynamic between 3 generations of Jewish men and the challenges that the older Jewell men have faced and still facing.
Jonah is 10 and is high on the autistic spectrum; he is unable to communicate through speech and has limited non-verbal communication, is not toilet trained and fully reliant on his parents for his every need. The local authority has decided that a local non-residential secondary school newly specialising in autism is the best place for him however Ben and Emma do not agree and are at breaking point. Ben and Emma’s salvation is Highgrove Manor which is a residential school fully equipped to meet Jonah’s needs, giving him the best possible education, sense of security and quality of life however this comes at a high cost, £200,000 a term which is to be paid for by the local authority.
Emma comes up with the idea of a fake separation to increase their chances in overturning the local authority’s decision. As such, Ben and Jonah move in with Georg, Ben’s 78 year old father. Ben and Georg have a difficult relationship – mainly due to their own inability to communicate with each other. Ben runs the business his father built up however this mainly involves delegating to Valentine and being down the pub drowning his sorrows at the bottom of a pint glass on the pretence of a ‘meeting’. Ben is an alcoholic, he seems both aware and in denial of this fact.
Georg is brilliant with Jonah, taking care of him and communicating without words and seems able to open up to him about his past, much to his son’s annoyance as Ben feels that he can’t talk to him about his heritage.
I loved Lester’s writing style and how the book is both funny and heartwarming at the same time, told from Ben’s perspective, it gives a insight into to life of a single-parent with an autistic child – the challenges that they face doing the most simple of tasks. Lester really brings home the things that parents take for granted, the milestones that children hit which may be difficult or unobtainable for children on the autistic spectrum to achieve.
I really enjoyed the dynamics between Ben and Georg, their way of communicating and the short sentences back and forth. I absolutely adored Georg, he’s the no-nonsense father who is an amazing grandfather, both pushing of Ben and caring to Jonah. His wit and dry sense of humour won me over right from the start. I warmed to Ben as the story went on, as we were shown more depth to his character.
Whilst Shtum is a wonderful book about the challenges of children on the autistic spectrum, how their parents feel isolated and have to fight for a decent education fitting of their child’s needs, Shtum also about the dynamic between 3 generations of Jewish men and the challenges that the older Jewell men have faced and still facing.