Krista C. (kacey14) - reviewed on 10/14/2009 + 47 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This book tells the story of Myron Uhlberg who grew up the oldest son of deaf parents. The story is set in Brooklyn in the first half of the 20th century. It eloquently captures both the double-bind, and the beauty of being a hearing child of deaf parents.

My mother is the youngest of three daughters born to my deaf grandparents. She was born in 1940 (although in rural Idaho, not NYC.) I felt so many of the experiences that the author talked about my mother also grappled with. I was stung by the callousness of how society at large treated a deaf person during that era. (Calling them 'Dummy', and 'deafie'.) I know my grandparents experienced the same sort of treatment at the deaf school where they were not allowed to use sign language, and in general society. But my grandparents, and these deaf parents rose above that, worked hard and built a strong family.

The story tells about the struggle that the author has switching back and forth between the roles of interpreter for his parents, and child of his parents. He also beautifully captures the lyricism that is contained in sign language. It's a wonderful book, don't miss this one!

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