Clara Törnvall

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

Like Swedish author Clara Törnvall, I am a woman diagnosed as autistic in my 40s. I appreciated her candor as she explored her lifelong struggles with mental health as she tries to understand herself and the world. She juxtaposes her personal journey with an overview of how women have not historically been diagnosed with autism and why, and how even modern diagnostic measures are more about measuring "masculine" traits than anything. Translator Alice E. Olsson does a great job. The book comes across as conversational in tone, candid without feeling gossipy. It's a fast, breezy read. Chapters discuss famous women such as Temple Grandin and Emily Dickinson.

For me personally, having read several other books on this subject, I was left craving more unique content for the broader discussion of autistic women. That said, I think this would be an enlightening read for others who are just starting to ponder about the diagnosis for themself or a loved one.… (mehr)