Daniel Isn't Talking - Hardcover

Leimbach, Marti

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385517513 ISBN 13: 9780385517515

Publisher: Nan a Talese, 2006

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

Praise for ‘Daniel Isn’t Talking’ (HB):

‘Powerful and moving, and also surprisingly funny. A love story in every sense.’ Deborah Moggach

'I adored "Daniel isn't Talking”. I was riveted, engrossed – all those wonderful things one hopes for when opening a book. I thought her portrayal of a mother facing unbelievable hardships was very real and gripping.' Anita Shreve

‘A sobering account of the exasperations of raising an autistic child. Incredibly, Marti Leimbach manages to find hope.’ Lionel Shriver

‘Any parent will recognise 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.’ Jennifer Egan

'A terrific book, informed passionate and touching. She handles the problem of the autistic child beautifully and I was thoroughly engrossed until the last page.' Joanne Harris

'I cared so deeply for Daniel, and for his family's predicament. This novel is both tender and insightful.’ Susan Fletcher, author of ‘Eve Green’

About the Author:

MARTI LEIMBACH is the author of several novels, including the international bestseller Dying Young, which was made into a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts. Born in Washington, D.C., she attended the Creative Writing program at the University of California, Irvine, and Harvard University. She currently lives in England and teaches at Oxford University’s Creative Writing program.

About this edition

• Publisher: Nan a Talese
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0385517513
• ISBN 13: 9780385517515
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240