In this work of ‘autobiographical fiction’, the narrator describes her childhood in a monologue to a doctor, who is presumably some sort of therapist. She describes the vision problems she was born with, the environment of her home life, and her experience feeling like an outsider. As she charts her life story, she discusses her mental state, her fears about her sanity, and questions how her experiences and her parents’ choices have formed her into the person she is. While capturing the arc of her life, she interrogates her evolving comfort within the physical and mental space of her body, and creates closure for herself in her understanding of herself.

Deeply meaningful and resonant to me personally, this book will be a re-read for me for sure, joining the ranks of books which I turn over in my mind, and fold into my heart to keep with me for the long haul. Highly recommend this thoughtful story for a moment you want to spend musing on the stories we tell ourselves and that make up who we are.