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Critics' Opinion:
Readers' Opinion:
First Published:
Apr 2006, 288 pages
Paperback:
May 2007, 288 pages
A moving, deeply absorbing story of a family in crisis. What sets it apart from most fiction about difficult subjects such as autism, is the author's ability to write about a sad and frightening situation with a seamless blend of warmth, compassion and humor.
Marti Leimbach's first novel, Dying Young, was called "a
masterpiece of details that always ring true, with the sad,
funny and fascinating unpredictability of real life." With the
same talent and perception, Leimbach's new novel takes the
reader to London, to the home of the Marshes: Stephen Marsh, a
true Brit; Melanie, a transplanted American; and their two
children, four-year-old Emily and Daniel, just three. When it is
conveyed that Daniel is autistic, the orderly life of the Marsh
family is shattered.
Melanie is determined to fight to teach Daniel to speak, play
and become as "normal" as possible. Her enchanting disposition
has already helped her weather other of life's storms, but
Daniel's autism may just push her over the brink, destroying her
resolute optimism and bringing her unsteady marriage to an
inglorious end. The situation is not helped by Stephen's
far-from-supportive parents, who proudly display the family tree
with Melanie's name barely penciled in, and who remain
disconcertingly attached to Stephen's ex-fiancée, a woman
apparently intent on restaking her claim on Stephen.
Melanie
does have one strong ally in Andy, a talented and off-the-wall
play therapist who specializes in teaching autistic children.
Andy proves that Daniel is far more capable than anyone
imagined, and Melanie finds herself drawn to him even as she
staggers toward resolving her marriage.
Daniel Isn't Talking is a moving, deeply absorbing story
of a family in crisis. What sets it apart from most fiction
about difficult subjects is the author's ability to write about
a sad and frightening situation with a seamless blend of warmth,
compassion and humor.
One
My husband saw me at a party and decided he wanted to marry me.
That is what he says. I was doing an impression of myself on the
back of a motorcycle with my university sweetheart, a young man
who loved T. S. Eliot and Harley-Davidsons, and who told me to
hang on to him as we swept down Storrow Drive in Boston, the
winter wind cutting through our clothes like glass. If I allow
myself, I can still remember exactly the warm smell of his
leather jacket, how I clung to him, and how in my fear and
discomfort I cursed all the way to the ballet.
We sat on the plush red seat cushions and kissed before
Baryshnikov came on stage, the whole of his powerful frame a
knot of kinetic energy that leapt as though the stage were a
springboard. I always insisted on sitting up front so I could
appreciate the strength of the dancers, the tautness of their
muscles, the sweat on their skin. My lover of ...
A well told, strong story - definitely worth a second glance.
Anita Shreve, author of The Weight of Water and The Pilot's Wife
I was riveted, engrossed—all those wonderful things one hopes for when opening a book. Marti Leimbach's portrayal of a mother facing unbelievable hardships is very real and gripping. Jennifer Egan, author of Look at Me
Any parent will recognize the combustion of love and anxiety that fuels Marti Leimbach's vivid new novel. Daniel Isn't Talking is an affecting study of parental devotion. Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat
A terrific book, informed, passionate and touching. I was thoroughly engrossed until the last page.
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