Review: Shtum by Jem Lester

Today, April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. 

In honour of this day, I'd decided to wait until today to post my review of the novel Shtum by Jem Lester 

Expected Publication Date: April 7, 2016

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I rated this book as 5 star... I just wish there were more stars available.  This book is seriously off the charts! I would have read this book all in one sitting, had I not actually had to take a break and get some sleep. I seriously can not remember any book that has left such a lasting mark on me. 

Shtum is about a family with a young boy who has Autism.  10 year old Jonah is on the severe end of the spectrum, and his parents Ben and Emma are seriously struggling.  In order to try to further Jonah's case in the upcoming tribunal, Emma suggests they fake a separation, and Ben reluctantly goes along with the plan. Ben and Jonah move in with Ben's elderly father, Georg, and they are ready to do whatever it takes to help Jonah get the treatment he so desperately needs. 

This story completely tore at my heartstrings. It is full of emotions; I laughed and I cried, felt anger and disgust, happiness and everything in between.  I became emotionally involved with the story and with what everyone was going through.  There was a point in the book where Ben is reading a letter to the Tribune on behalf of Jonah, describing his day. It made me look at things from Jonah's point of view, and from the point of view of all children dealing with Autism. It completely touched me. I feel like I had a clear view into the window of their world. 

I highly recommend this book. I think that you will enjoy it no matter what your reading preference is.  It is thought provoking and let's you peek into the world of Autism, of how emotionally and financially draining it can be, how frustrating dealing with social services, doctors and specialists can be, but also how loving and rewarding it is, doing everything you can to do what is best for your children. 

I would like to thank NetGalley and TBC (THE Book Club) on Facebook for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Put this book on your 'to read' list for 2016.  You will not be sorry!