Synopsis
Deprived of oxygen for two hours at birth, Christopher Nolan almost died, but he lived to write, at age twenty-one, this autobiography, told as the story of one Joseph Meehan. Nolan's birth injuries left him quadriplegic and completely unable to communicate, so for years no one suspected that his mind, though imprisoned in an inert body, was burning to express his innermost thoughts and ideas to not only his family but the world. Whether he is fighting with the authorities for the right to go to an ordinary school, or going on a "normal" vacation for the first time, Nolan's story has a touching, often breathtaking intensity. Nolan recounts his ultimate triumph of finally being able to share with others the insight and whimsy of his inner world, unlocking the inventive wordsmith and gifted storyteller within. The result is astonishingly lyrical, filled with powerful description, touching moments of triumph, sadness, and anger, and above all disarming wit.
Reviews
YA Winner of England's prestigious Whitbread prize for this book, Christopher Nolan is no stranger to success at the age of 22. Six years ago he published a book of poetry, Dam-Burst of Dreams (Ohio University Pr , 1982), which was also critically acclaimed. But even more remarkable than Nolan's tender age is the fact that he was born severely disabled with cerebral palsy and wages a constant effort for the smallest moments of control in his life. Writing in the third person and assigning himself the name of Joseph Meehan, he describes battles with self-pity in early childhood, the joy of riding his sister's pony, family vacations, and the huge effort (and wonderful success) of going to a regular school and establishing genuine friendships. Throughout, a touching picture emerges of a unique family grounded in love, faith, and common sense. Nolan's poetic voice is often evident in the prose. It is, on occasion, a difficult voice which some may not be able to fully understand. However, the book deserves special consideration for its depiction of a mute Irish boy with a gift that will not be denied. Barbara Weathers, Duchesne Academy, Houston
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Severely disabled by congenital cerebral palsy, Irish poet Nolan was 15 years old when he was acclaimed "a brilliantly gifted young writer" in the tradition of Yeats and Joyce. Now 21, he writes a memoir in the guise of an alter ego, Joseph Meehan. As he speaks of Joseph, "locked for years in the coffin of his body," paralyzed and mute, we are made aware of Nolan's herculean efforts and those of his family to release him from his isolation. A major breakthrough occurs when he is able to use a typewriter, then a word processor, working the keyboard with a stick affixed to his head. His physical triumphs and defeats are recorded with a striking absence of self-pity. In passages that are lyrically descriptive, there is abundant word coinage and expressive neologisms that capture Nolan's thoughts on sexuality and gratitude for the ambiance that supported him during his year at Trinity College. As Carey, his professor, states in the preface, Nolan's handicap is "a positive factor" rather than a modifying condition in his impressive achievement.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Nolan, a 21-year-old Irishman, published an award-winning book of poems, Dam-Burst of Dreams (Ohio Univ. Pr., 1982) at age 15. Paralyzed by cerebral palsy, too spastic to write or even speak, he "writes" with a typing stick attached to his head. Here, he tells his life storyto dateas viewed "under the eye of the clock" of memory: family (constantly encouraging), school days and friendships, a term at Trinity College, literary acclaim, and media attention. Using the third person, Nolan writes with detachment and without self-pity, lyrically expressing the occasional despair and anger; the frequent loneliness; a growing faith in God; a most remarkable courage, tenacity, and will to communicate; and humor. Highly recommended. Marcia G. Fuchs, Guilford Free Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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