I've reviewed this book before and it's a few years old, but it is one of my favorites. My day job is the role of a disability advocate, so this book was particularly interesting to me.
In addition to advocate, I’m a mother with two beautiful and amazing boys who happen to be affected by disability. The oldest has a severe neurological condition, Schizencephaly, and the other has Autism. As a general rule, I usually avoid books which talk about children with disabilities. I simply think people who haven’t walked in my shoes cannot capture a life like mine, although, as writers this is something we try to do all the time.
But I did pick up this type of book recently and was captivated. This novel is called On Sparrow Hill, written by Maureen Lang. What makes this story ring true is that the author actually lives a life similar to mine, raising a son with Fragile X syndrome.On Sparrow Hill is a well-written and heart-warming tale anyone would appreciate. The overall plot revolves around an estate manager and an heir who are drawn together as they unearth family history. The story plays back and forth between a thread in the present to a thread set in the1800's. There is romance and mystery.
Additionally, woven throughout the novel is a glimpse into the life of children with intellectual delays in the nineteenth century, as well as current day. Anyone who has a child with challenges would enjoy the message of hope and faith.
For those who know others walking this path, it would enhance appreciation and understanding of what families face on an ongoing basis. Maureen also draws out the difficult range of emotions parents may experience, but also the moments of joy. There is pleasure in the little things that often get overlooked and valuable lessons that our children teach us.
I love the quote on the introductory page:
“Nature has some perfections to show that she is the image of God, and some defects to show that she is only His image.” – Blaise Pascal
I'm very grateful to Ms. Lang for opening her heart and penning such a beautiful story of unconditional love.
