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june_englit_phd's review against another edition
2.0
This is a moving account of The Times journalist, Melanie Reid, and her rehabilitation following a horse-riding accident that left her paralysed (except for her right hand). Reid describes her inner monologue as she is initially admitted to hospital, the scary prospect of facing the rest of her life in a wheelchair, and the long and painful physiotherapy sessions she endured. Within the text, Reid has supplied black and white photographs which show images as diverse as her in action show-jumping, to her broken limbs and anatomical drawings. Peppered amongst the personal and poignant reality of her situation, are some comic character descriptions of fellow patients, of her own mishaps during convalescence, and her humorous struggle with reality versus the potent effects of Tramadol.
It’s an interesting and enjoyable read. Reid’s conversational tone draws you into her turmoil allowing for the reader to sympathise fully with her. Well worth reading.
It’s an interesting and enjoyable read. Reid’s conversational tone draws you into her turmoil allowing for the reader to sympathise fully with her. Well worth reading.
louisethepoet's review
4.5
Some outdated ideas about disability and sexuality. generally a brilliantly honest book which is quite darkly humerus in places!
kirsty_reads's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
questingnotcoasting's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is a poignant and funny memoir and the audiobook was great. I really enjoyed her personal style of writing. She approaches her story and situation with black humour which came through really well in her narration. The details of her time in hospital and her descriptions of the other patients and staff are vivid and often funny, while at other times her writing is emotional and bitter. There's also some interesting discussion about how society views people with disabilities and the "moral duty to recover".
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Medical content
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