Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by emmajuned
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I can’t say I enjoyed the book, even though I preordered the paperback through my love of Fern and her openness about her autism in interviews, but it was interesting and informative about autism. I’m self diagnosed (my father was diagnosed late in life and I have a lot in common with him) and this both confirmed my diagnosis and informed me of a wealth of things which I didn’t realise were autistic but I’d been doing all my life: clawing, planning conversations, replaying scenarios, hating being touched, loud noises, over enthusiasm for my passions, etc. I read it as a medical encyclopaedia with an endearing protagonist. She’s lead an eventful life for sure, and I’m glad the book could end on a slightly hopeful, inspiring note but something I’d already concluded myself. It’s nice to have confirmation, especially from someone who seems to have been through more extremes than me to get there.
At times, reading the book was difficult. I felt Fern was being punished a lot and unnecessarily, and how it was described lacked the humorous twists that could have made the book more entertaining, but I think then we wouldn’t have taken it seriously. The gaping hole in society and the medical support available to people with autism, especially adults, especially women, is glaring and ridiculous. The book felt gloomy and depressing in a very personal, private way that will be familiar to other autistics. Strangely, it gave me comfort for that very reason.
I applaud Fern for writing this. Having only discovered her after her appearance on Taskmaster, it’s strangely fitting that the story ends there, like catching up with a new friend. She’s so brave and inspiring, and I want her to know that she has succeeded. I feel better for knowing what she has been through, I feel heard, she has pushed society on to understanding a little bit more (perhaps a big bit).
I wish 8 was better at expressing my feelings for this…. But you know, autistic!
At times, reading the book was difficult. I felt Fern was being punished a lot and unnecessarily, and how it was described lacked the humorous twists that could have made the book more entertaining, but I think then we wouldn’t have taken it seriously. The gaping hole in society and the medical support available to people with autism, especially adults, especially women, is glaring and ridiculous. The book felt gloomy and depressing in a very personal, private way that will be familiar to other autistics. Strangely, it gave me comfort for that very reason.
I applaud Fern for writing this. Having only discovered her after her appearance on Taskmaster, it’s strangely fitting that the story ends there, like catching up with a new friend. She’s so brave and inspiring, and I want her to know that she has succeeded. I feel better for knowing what she has been through, I feel heard, she has pushed society on to understanding a little bit more (perhaps a big bit).
I wish 8 was better at expressing my feelings for this…. But you know, autistic!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Classism
While there is a lot of topics to give contents warnings for nothing in the book is described in a way that is distressing, graphic, or unnecessary. Fern is just very honest about her life