The Four Walls of My Freedom is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that describes Donna Thomson’s first 21 years mothering a child with cerebral palsy, and it raises some important questions about the fundamental obligations of the state to provide for its most vulnerable citizens. Thomson’s book alternates between descriptions of the day-to-day reality of life with her son Nicholas, and her reflections on the social, political and philosophical issues associated with this reality. Thomson writes in a clear, engaging style, and sometimes also with narrative flair—for example, when recounting a series of medical crises that assault Nick shortly before his eagerly awaited Sunshine Foundation–sponsored trip to New Jersey to meet a famous wrestler. Will Nick make it to New Jersey? the reader wonders. One finds oneself rooting for this proud, spirited, bright young man and for his family. Of course, the trip is also...
Nora Gold is a former social worker and social work professor who worked for many years with the families of children with developmental disabilities and has conducted research in this field. She is currently at the Centre for Women’s Studies in Education (CWSE) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE/UT), and is the founding editor of the new literary journal, Jewish Fiction .net.
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