Assessment:

Idea: In this quietly poignant memoir, the author shares her experience of being diagnosed with Asperger's at age 51 and how said diagnosis has altered her understanding of herself and the nuances of human perception.

Prose/Style: While intimate and genuine, the author's casual prose style could elevate the narrative more. Readers with Asperger's – particularly those who are female and received an adult diagnosis – will surely relate to Haddow's thoughts and experiences. However, the work would greatly benefit from a more formal narrative framework and more polished prose in order to expand its readership.

Originality: As females with Asperger's are historically underdiagnosed and under-represented, Haddow's work fills a valuable niche. Adults who may similarly receive an Asperger's diagnosis later in life will welcome the author's many insights.

Character Development/Execution: The author has a warm, candid voice that will prove welcoming to readers. While the author references a number of outside resources relating to the diagnosis of Asperger's, this work is primarily a personal account of the author's diagnosis and unique perspective on the world around her, rather than an informative guide on the subject.

Date Submitted: October 08, 2020