This fictional view of his environment through the eyes of an autistic man is fascinating. The author includes a section about autism and its many phases. Sometimes such additions seem out of place but it was certainly appropriate for this novel.
Briefly, this is Todd's story. He was afraid of his father whose inability to accept Todd for who he is made him treat Todd with cruelty. These experiences colored his experience with any man who reminded him of his father. His mother understood and cherished Todd. Both of them are deceased.
The reader learns about Todd's experiences in the adult living facility where he meets others whose disability shapes their own impressions of the environment. A caretaker who loves him stands by and understands Todd and his actions. When he has a new roommate who is not compatible with him, Todd must learn how to cope with the chaotic change that occur. Likewise, an unethical caretaker takes advantage of a female resident who becomes pregnant and commits suicide. Todd did not realize what was happening. He only knows that he is to do what he is told when left to work alone.
Todd misses his home so much that he decides to leave the facility to travel back to his hometown and visit his brother. He so hopes that he can live with his brother. I found this read revealing. I was pleased to discover more about autism and its various disorders than I had known prior to this read.
Briefly, this is Todd's story. He was afraid of his father whose inability to accept Todd for who he is made him treat Todd with cruelty. These experiences colored his experience with any man who reminded him of his father. His mother understood and cherished Todd. Both of them are deceased.
The reader learns about Todd's experiences in the adult living facility where he meets others whose disability shapes their own impressions of the environment. A caretaker who loves him stands by and understands Todd and his actions. When he has a new roommate who is not compatible with him, Todd must learn how to cope with the chaotic change that occur. Likewise, an unethical caretaker takes advantage of a female resident who becomes pregnant and commits suicide. Todd did not realize what was happening. He only knows that he is to do what he is told when left to work alone.
Todd misses his home so much that he decides to leave the facility to travel back to his hometown and visit his brother. He so hopes that he can live with his brother. I found this read revealing. I was pleased to discover more about autism and its various disorders than I had known prior to this read.
