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A review by aronwen
The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Would have benefited if the author had spoken to autistic adults before writing a plot involving autism. The result is quite an ableist toned book that's quite uncomfortable for adult neurodivergent readers and those who know them to read. It's unfortunate because otherwise it's a remarkably well done book, and would have otherwise likely been a favourite of mine.
<Spoiler>The plot does eventually support the characters decision to not use ABA therapy for her son, a therapy which most autistic adults consider abuse, but the book still includes lines about autism "stealing" the couple's child, and gives him a rare form of autism that develops age 5, which supports this ableist narrative of autism "stealing" a healthy child, which is a narrative that harms a lot of autistic children and adults. Furthermore the author's end note makes clear he DOES support ABA, just not the most vicious original form of ABA. </Spoiler>
<Spoiler>The plot does eventually support the characters decision to not use ABA therapy for her son, a therapy which most autistic adults consider abuse, but the book still includes lines about autism "stealing" the couple's child, and gives him a rare form of autism that develops age 5, which supports this ableist narrative of autism "stealing" a healthy child, which is a narrative that harms a lot of autistic children and adults. Furthermore the author's end note makes clear he DOES support ABA, just not the most vicious original form of ABA. </Spoiler>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism