My Little Brother, My Little Life, is a novel about living with autism in the family.
Linda, Douggie and their father, Frank, are left alone after Linda’s mother chooses to leave. Linda, five years older than Douggie, takes on a great deal of responsibility for her autistic younger brother, never really questioning the fact that he’s ‘different’ from other children; just accepting that he’s Douggie, he’s her brother and she loves him.
The story takes us through Linda’s childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, as she meets a young man, becomes pregnant herself and marries. As she grows up, her own family take on a greater significance in her life, but Douggie is always there in the background, featuring in family events and playing on Linda’s conscience.
Then, as middle-age, divorce and a new love approach, Linda wonders whether she did enough to help her father with Douggie, whether she could now do more and whether he’s really happy. More importantly, perhaps, is there anything she can do about any of it?
In this bittersweet novel, Dee H. Gordon has used her own experiences of raising an autistic son to examine the complex relationships which disability can enforce on family life. She also focuses on the feelings of guilt that can engulf families, as well as the emotions of love and trying to understand what happiness really is.
Praise for My Little Brother, My Little Life:
“Dee draws the reader in to Linda’s life, showing that no relationship is ever simple and exploring feelings of guilt, and love (both romantic and familial). This book has been written by someone with a deep and true understanding of what it means to live with autism, and will prove an important read for anyone in a similar situation.”
Essex Life Magazine
“This story of an East End family is poignant without being sentimental, and anyone with autism in the family will empathise with the main character, Linda, as she struggles to deal with the problems caused by her brother’s behaviour whilst trying to forge a life for herself. Highly recommended.”
Tessa Buckley. Amazon Verified Purchase.
“I really cared about Linda reading her story as she grew up from young carer of her brother to having her own children and grandchildren. I did not expect the dramatic ending. A good read…”
Mrs Joan A. Brown. Amazon Verified Purchase.
“The author clearly speaks with the voice of experience of living with an autistic family member and the impact it has on family life. But it is not at all heavy going – the humour made me laugh out loud at times…”
Amazon Customer Review
My Little Brother, My Little Life is available from Amazon, other online book retailers and to order from selected bookstores in paperback and Kindle formats.
ISBN (Paperback): 978-1-910603-05-5
ASIN (Kindle): B00YYLL1BS
Published by GWL Publishing Limited. (www.gwlpublishing.co.uk)