An Unusual Boy is a novel written by Fiona Higgins, an Australian author who is known for her ability to capture the complexity of human relationships. The novel was first published in 2012 and is a work of contemporary fiction. It tells the story of a family that is struggling to come to terms with the challenges presented by a child with a disability. The novel is emotionally charged and explores the themes of family, love, and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs.
Plot Summary:
The novel tells the story of the Cleary family, who are struggling to come to terms with their son’s disability. The story is narrated from the perspectives of both parents, Tom and Abby, as well as their older daughter, Natalie. Their son, Sam, has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and his parents are trying to navigate the challenges of parenting a child with special needs.
As the story unfolds, we see the impact that Sam’s condition has on the family’s relationships. Abby is struggling to cope with the demands of caring for Sam, while Tom is trying to hold the family together. Natalie, the older sister, feels neglected and is resentful of the attention that Sam requires.
The novel explores the themes of love, family, and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. It is a touching and emotional story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the challenges of caring for a loved one with a disability.
Character Analysis:
The characters in An Unusual Boy are complex and well-developed. Each character is struggling to cope with the challenges presented by Sam’s condition. Tom is trying to hold the family together and be a supportive father to both his children. Abby is overwhelmed by the demands of caring for Sam and is struggling to maintain her relationship with Tom. Natalie is feeling neglected and resentful of the attention that Sam requires.
Sam, the central character of the novel, is a complex and intriguing character. He is a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, and his condition is portrayed with sensitivity and compassion. Through Sam’s character, the novel explores the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families.
Themes and Symbolism:
The novel explores several themes, including the challenges of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of family, and the power of love. It also touches on the themes of self-discovery and acceptance. The novel is filled with powerful symbolism, such as the apple tree in the Cleary’s backyard, which represents the family’s struggle to grow and thrive despite the challenges they face.
Writing Style and Pacing:
Fiona Higgins’ writing style is engaging and emotionally charged. She has a talent for capturing the complexity of human relationships and portraying the challenges faced by families dealing with disability. The pacing of the novel is steady, with a good balance between the emotional intensity of the story and the development of the characters.
Final Thoughts:
An Unusual Boy is a touching and emotionally charged novel that explores the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the themes of love, family, and the power of acceptance are explored with sensitivity and compassion. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the challenges of caring for a loved one with a disability.
If you enjoyed An Unusual Boy, then you may also enjoy The Mother’s Group by Fiona Higgins. It is another novel that explores the challenges of motherhood and the complexities of female relationships. It is a powerful and emotional story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the challenges of motherhood.
