How does it feel like to be neurodivergent and live in a world that does not understand you? How would this experience be for peers and family of a neurodivergent child? How does the specific subjective experience of being on the autistic spectrum play out? How does it pan out for those around the person with the diagnosis? Living with Adi by Zarin Virji (Duckbill Books) is a richly layered story of a neurodivergent teenager and his family as they navigate through the challenges of daily life. This story is narrated from the viewpoints of Adi’s mother, sister, grandmother and his classmates and a teacher. It is these multiple points of view that push the story ahead excitedly.
Adi’s point of view takes on the poignant and very difficult task of presenting the world view of a neurodivergent teen. The reader almost gets into his mind, his unique way of looking at things. The way he takes things literally and the unique way they make sense to him. His frustrations at the world around him where subtleties and double faces seem to be rule, where figurative language makes no sense and simple genuine obvious behaviour does not work at all!
The other viewpoint is the grandmother’s. Her struggle to support her single daughter and her grandchildren whilst struggling to make sense of Adi’s ‘diagnosis’ comes across beautifully.
Delna, Adi’s mother also has a unique viewpoint. One can empathise with her struggles as a single mother, making ends meet and trying to make her ex-husband see that Adi has special needs.
The story is told with sensitivity but also with humour. You’ll catch yourself chuckling at the situational humour as well as the laced sarcasm.
Living with Adi by Zarin Virji is a book of the times. For instance, Adi and his sister Jasmine live with their mother as their parents have divorced. However, the parents share a cordial relationship and their father’s new family, that is, his wife and their son also form a part of Adi’s and Jasmine’s lives. The maturity with which these sensitive relationships are addressed speaks volumes about the way the book tunes in with the times we live in.
A bright student who knows every snake fact there is to know, Adi is often bullied in school for being different. Will he fit in? Will he make friends? Or will he need to seek comfort elsewhere. Sensitively told by award-winning author, Zarin Virji, the book is a must-read for every middle-grade child, parent and educator
The novel is apt for the 10+ age group and could be classified in the Fiction/ Mental Health category. It is a great resource to have in inclusive schools and a wonderful read for parents and peers as well.
