I was a bit dubious about reading this to start with as it sounds all a bit gimmicky, but actually thought it was fabulous. It’s narrated by Grace, who is - I forget the exact details - but born with some kind of mental disability and then gets polio aged six which withers an arm and leg - she’s considered to be ‘ineducable’ and at the age of ten is institutionalised by her family. The author has managed to tell the story of someone who could never tell her own story.

The story is basically all about her friendship with a boy called Daniel, who has no arms. Though I think the depiction of Grace’s family through time is the best bit: watching how her parents and siblings relationships with her change over the years. I thought the relationship between Grace and her younger sister Sarah who was born after she went into the home was very well portrayed. Grace’s parents were more or less told to forget about Grace and try again with another baby.

It’s a sad story really, but full of uplifting happy bits and I’m pleased I read it.