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Our narrator is Pheris, a boy from a noble family who has a congenital disability. He doesn't speak, has mobility problems, and has chronic pain. #spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
He's clever, but not a genius. The main thing is, he becomes an attendant to the king and is therefore close to the action. He's a keen observer: often ignored by others, he listens in.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
Although treated cruelly by many people, Pheris regrets the times when he himself has been cruel. He notices kindness in others.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
There is another disabled character in this series, and that's Gen. But see, Gen is god-touched, a genius, an extraordinary person. I think it matters more to me, to see someone who is an ordinary disabled person.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
Pheris talks about struggling to sit in a bad position through dinners and meetings; struggling to stand for long periods; lagging behind when others are walking or riding ahead. This is so relatable. #spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
When you have chronic pain, sometimes ordinary activities like this are a tremendous act of will. In one such scene, an acolyte keeps frowning at Pheris when he fidgets.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
People who treat Pheris kindly stand out. One physician says acidly, to a random character, in reference to disability: "Just because some things are easy for you, does not mean they are easy for the rest of us."
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
This same physician looks at Pheris, says, ok, sometimes your walking is worse. Logically, then, sometimes it is better, and we can replicate those conditions and improve your walking.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
Pheris is riding his pony and is lagging behind a large group. Quiety, without fuss, a minor character hangs back and rides with him. Then has them both dismount and ride in a cart.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
This sort of thing, it's access intimacy-- that sense of safety you get with people who understand.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
Content note for this book; there is a fair amount of ableist abuse, esp. at the beginning, directed toward Pheris. Later on there is mention of a murder of a disabled person.
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
#spoilers #TheReturnOfTheThief
I like Bujold's work overall, but I get tired of them being held up as the main/only disability rep in SF/F. If you are looking for more disability content, check out this series. the first book is "The Thief," the author is Megan Whalen Turner.
