IJDS 2023; Vol. 10 No. 2, November 2023, pp. 331-333 P-ISSN: 2355-2158, e-ISSN: 2654-4148
DOI: doi.org/10.21776/ub.ijds.2023.10.02.14
331
Book Review
Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall
“Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It” by Greg Marshall, Harry N. Abrams, New York, 2023, 304 pp., ISBN: 1419763601, E-ISBN: 978-1419763601
Shivpal Chawda, Ph.D. Scholar,
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
Corresponding reviewer:
Shivpal Chawda,
[email protected] Article history:
Received: 14 July 2023 Revised: 1 August 2023 Accepted: 5 October 2023 Published online at ijds.ub.ac.id
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) Licensed under CC BY NC
The memoir Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall is a poignant and insightful exploration of the journey of a young boy who confronts not only the physical challenges associated with a leg deformity but also the internal struggle of self-acceptance and identity. Marshall’s writing skillfully weaves together personal experiences, emotional depth, and a unique narrative style to provide readers with a profoundly moving account of the protagonist’s life. The book’s title, with its focus on the ‘leg’ as a central metaphor, accurately represents the core theme: the physical and emotional complexities of living with a limb difference. The narrative in the memoir unfolds with remarkable candor, offering a heartfelt exploration of the protagonist’s experiences, feelings, and quest for belonging.
This memoir presents a compelling coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers as they delve into the innermost thoughts and struggles of the protagonist, creating a profound connection and empathy for the central character. The writing style employed by Greg Marshall is both engaging and emotive. His ability to convey his emotional journey through the first-person narrative provides an intimate connection between the character and the reader. The prose is evocative, with moments of humor and heartache that add depth and authenticity to the memoir.
A central theme in Leg is the deconstruction of stereotypes and misconceptions about disability. The memoir is about the journey of a person who comes to terms with his own identity, defying social norms and expected behavior. The book is about acceptance of the author's disability and sexual identity, at the same time, it is a story of self-love, empathy, and loss. The book discusses the caregiving relationship that exemplifies the intricate and often emotionally taxing dynamics associated with disability, transcending a simplistic view of disability as mere physical impairment. The book also touches on themes such as mortality, spirituality, and the pursuit of a fulfilling
332 | Indonesian Journal of Disability Studies
life. The author deftly portrays the protagonist’s father’s battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which becomes an integral part of the narrative. The profound impact of his illness on the family is explored with deep empathy. Disability studies emphasize the significance of caregiving relationships and the need for equitable and inclusive caregiving structures, making this aspect of the book particularly relevant to the field.
Marshall neatly intertwines the physical and emotional aspects of living with a limb difference, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted experience of disability. By choosing Leg as the metaphorical focal point, the author invites readers to explore the intersection of the physical and emotional dimensions of living with a limb difference.
Marshall’s portrayal of the protagonist’s adolescence is both authentic and relatable. The book captures the essence of a young boy’s quest for self-identity and self-acceptance.
Through this portrayal, readers, particularly young adults, can connect with the emotional struggles and triumphs of the protagonist as he grapples with physical differences and societal expectations.
One of the things that makes Leg so unique is Marshall’s willingness to explore the complex and often contradictory emotions that come with living with a disability. He writes about the shame and isolation he felt as a child and celebrates the resilience and joy he has found in his life. He also offers a unique perspective on the intersection of disability, sexuality, and gender. His views align with the core principles of disability studies, which advocate for a shift away from the medical model of disability toward a social model that emphasizes the impact of environmental and societal factors on disability experiences. From a disability studies perspective, Leg offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of several key themes. The book critically examines misconceptions about disability, challenging the medicalization of disability and advocating for a social model. The autobiography emphasizes the interdependence between disabled individuals and their caregivers. It aligns with disability studies’
principles of recognizing the dynamic relationships and mutual influence between caregivers and those they care for. He writes about the ways in which disability is often constructed as a tragedy, and he shows how this can lead to discrimination and social exclusion. The book is a call for the importance of disability pride and the importance of celebrating the diversity of human experience.
Marshall’s memoir is particularly valuable for exploring the intersectionality of disability, sexuality, and gender. He writes about how these identities can be mutually reinforcing or mutually exclusive. For example, he writes about how his disability has made dating and finding romantic relationships more difficult. However, he also writes about how his disability has helped him to connect with other people with disabilities and to form a strong sense of community. The book is a profound reflection on the experiences, challenges, and complexities faced by individuals with disabilities. It critiques and challenges societal perceptions and medicalized approaches to disability while embracing a holistic understanding of the disabled experience. A central theme in Leg is the deconstruction of stereotypes and misconceptions about disability.
Book Review Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall | 333
Marshall, in the book, opens up about how his disability has intersected with his sexuality. He writes about the challenges of coming out as gay in a society that is often homophobic and disablist. He also writes about how his disability has shaped his sexual identity. For example, he notes that disability has made him more comfortable with his own body and more accepting of the bodies of others. Moreover, in the memoir, the author discusses about HIV/AIDS, adding historical context and relevance. This part of the book provides insight into the fears and misconceptions of the late 1990s, demonstrating how societal attitudes and beliefs significantly influence an individual’s sense of self. This dynamic interplay between disability and societal perceptions is a fundamental theme within disability studies.
I want to conclude this review by commenting the contributions of the memoir in the interdisciplinary field of disability studies. Marshall’s autobiography contributes to the growing body of literature on critical disability studies. Critical Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary field that challenges traditional views of disability and focuses on the social and political dimensions of disability. Marshall’s memoir does this by exploring the ways in which disability is constructed and experienced in society and by challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about disability. Marshall’s memoir also contributes to the growing body of literature on disability and performance. Disability and performance is an interdisciplinary field that explores how disability is represented and performed in culture. Marshall’s memoir does this by reflecting on his own experiences as a disabled person in the world, and by exploring how his disability has shaped his identity and his relationships.
Overall, Marshall’s memoir is a significant contribution to the field of disability studies. It is a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the lived experiences of people with disabilities. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students of disability studies and anyone who wants to learn more about the intersectionality of disability, sexuality, and gender.