“Open” by Eva Wong Nava is a book on Benjamin Oh (also known as Open), who is on the autism spectrum. Powerful in its simple poignancy, this is an important book that helps foster understanding and empathy for the many amongst us who are specially-abled.
It was written based on the movie “The Wayang Kids” by director Raymond Tan, which moved me to tears when I watched it on the plane a year ago.
“Open” is almost like Singapore’s own version of “Wonder”. Beyond Open’s interactions with his classmates, we are also given a glimpse into how his family copes. Atypically, his father is his main caregiver, and the one who understands and advocates for him. His mother cannot come to terms with his condition, and her dearth of maternal warmth intensifies the pathos in this story.
But she too is confused, understandably, and this makes it doubly hard for her. How Open’s mother reacts or does not react leads us down the road of despair, but finally her relationship with Open also ends on a note of hope, for a desolate end might leave the many children who should rightly read this important story disconsolate.
The role reversal of the more common distant father with the self-sacrificing mother is refreshing in some ways, and makes one question if expecting a mother to always be the more nurturing selfless parent isn’t sexism in some ways.
Overall, it is the artful juxtaposition of Open’s lucid thoughts and his opaque behaviour that helps the observer understand just a bit more, and seek to help a bit more. For true understanding must translate to action.
World Autism Awareness Day just passed recently on 2 April, and to lend in efforts for everyone to have a little more understanding to make the world a better place, I’ll be sponsoring a giveaway of one copy of this book!
Giveaway Time!
For a chance to win the giveaway, simply complete the following:
1. “Like” LilBlueBottle’s Facebook Page
2. “Like” and leave a comment on this Facebook post on why you’d like to win this, with your email address (or PM your email address to me) and tag 2 friends who might be interested. (You can also share the post if you’d like!)
The giveaway ends on 2359 hrs on Fri 29 May 2020, the winner will be contacted via email, and announced on this page subsequently.
The usual terms and conditions apply.
[Congrats to Adeline Tan on winning this book!]
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