Disfigured

I saw this book being talked about for the first time by my dear friend Prachi and was immediately interested in it but it's taken me all this while to get to it. But I'm glad I finally did because this is a perspective I definitely needed.

For someone like me who completely believes in the power of stories and who has exceedingly felt that books have enabled me to be a more inclusive and progressive person, this was a much needed look into how stories can work in a different way as well. I didn't grow up with the western fairytales like the author did but I do know about them now, but the way the author dissects them and questions the choices made in these stories from the perspective of a disabled person is very eye opening. It's definitely privilege and ableism and the constant othering of anything or anyone that differs from the so-called “normal”, which has prevented me from ever questioning why in all those fairytales, a happy ending only occurs if the disabled or disfigured person is miraculously cured; why is it that kind people are always beautiful and they are the only ones who deserve to be happy; why is it always the villains who have some disabilities or scars or mental health issues and are gruesomely done away with at the end; why is it that the only two options are either a disabled person gets miraculously cured (ending in an HEA) or is left to die... because a disabled person leading a life they are happy and content with is never even in consideration.

The author marvelously blends her analysis of the fairytales and their generational influence on our society with her own life experiences as a person with cerebral palsy. Her struggles with bullying in childhood were heartbreaking to read because which ten year old doesn't want to imagine herself as a princess with beautiful looks and clothes and shoes; and how the real world constantly reminds her that it's not an option for her because the society has determined that she isn't “normal”. I also resonated a lot with the years of her depression and how she felt at the time because I've had some years like that myself (maybe a little less intense) and I could clearly feel her pain.

The author's call for change is not just important for the disabled community but for society as a whole. It is high time we stop defining things as normal and other and start understanding the diversity in bodies as well as minds. It's not on the shoulders of the disabled person to fit into a society which does everything possible to exclude them.. it's our duty as a society to create a world that fits every kind of person and let's them live their life to the fullest and thrive. And we should do this through our thoughts, our words, our stories and our actions.

5 stars.
As someone who considers themselves within the disabled community, this book seemed right up my alley and had rather strong reviews so I added it to my TBR and read a couple of pages to get an idea on writing style... Since that fateful day, I have picked this book up and devoured it every opportunity I have had. This is a book that should be on all bookshelves. From a psychology point of view it leaves a reader with endless ponderings on how intrinsically ableist our society and environment makes us. This book encourages all readers to try harder. To find the breadcrumbs dotted among our history and cultures that feel so utterly wrong when identified without societies rose-tinted glasses. This book helped me consider how even those within the community fall prey to the inner trappings of society and the changes we must incur. How can the community, not me, not you, but US do better. And also, why we should be aiming to do so. Leduc is incredibly human as a writer and writes with a passion that she aims to keep as open and guided as she can, and although other reviewers found her discussion a whine, I found it an open-conversation we all should be having, in all walks, strolls, runs, swims, wheels, stays of life. Because why is a wheelchair or access dog a phenomenon more so than the idea of a fairy godmother? The world is not a fairy-tale, but fairy tales are this world, and are certainly influenced and vice-versa by the world we reside in. This book addresses a large percentage of the fairy tale and folklore that our children and ourselves encounter in this modern world and presents the views of many in a calculated and clear way that really supports her message.
“Give me stories where disability is synonymous with a different way of seeing the world and a recognition that the world can itself grow as a result of this viewpoint.”