Ivan, seventeen, has lived all his life at the Mazyr Hospital for Gravely Ill Children in Russia. He has never met his parents. Readers see his life and how most of the medical personnel view him. They see only his deformed body, missing his sharp mind, trickster personality, and quick wit.
Only two people, both women, understand who occupies this body. Natalya is a nurse who finds books and information to stretch the mind within the ravaged body. Polina is a beautiful young woman who has leukemia. Ignored at first by her, Ivan befriends the fragile young woman and eventually falls in love. This reader was never quite sure whether Polina loved him or not. Nevertheless, she cherishes his friendship and enjoys spending time with him. Her prognosis is poor but her mind is as quick as Ivan's. When she dies his life changes dramatically until his own ends in a home that he finally finds for the last of his days. Ivan's journal of his life and experiences is so frank that at times one cannot help but wish to have known this awesome teenager.
For me, this story is heart rending, laughter generating and anger filled. How can those around him not see the remarkable individual inside this body? Ah, yes, there is an American doctor, who sees the individual within and brings Ivan signed baseballs from professional players again and again. How can others be so cruel to Ivan? All this makes me wonder if I could see beyond the body into the wonderful individual within? This was a mind boggling read and I will remember it for a long time.
Ivan was born without legs and an arm but his intelligent mind helped him cope with the life he had. It is believed that his birth defects were a result of fallout from Chernobyl. Like many, he is hidden away to live as best he may in this environment. For all of his seventeen years, he searches for those who will communicate, understand and yes, even love him.
Ivan's life is enlightened by the books he reads and reads. Many are brought to him by Natalya, who recognizes the mind within the ravaged body. She encourages his pursuits and praises his progress. He is a trickster who at times plays little games with those who ridicule him and thwart his interests. Sometimes they succeed but often they do not understand how much he knows and what he is doing to make life more bearable. Obviously, they do not know him.
The book is based on a diary found in ruins. The individual who wrote in it was Ivan who details his life and experiences. It's a book filled with love and compassion, one that this reader will long remember. I commend the author for sharing it with the world. I feel sorry for those who may not understand the messages shared here. This story is written from the heart.
Only two people, both women, understand who occupies this body. Natalya is a nurse who finds books and information to stretch the mind within the ravaged body. Polina is a beautiful young woman who has leukemia. Ignored at first by her, Ivan befriends the fragile young woman and eventually falls in love. This reader was never quite sure whether Polina loved him or not. Nevertheless, she cherishes his friendship and enjoys spending time with him. Her prognosis is poor but her mind is as quick as Ivan's. When she dies his life changes dramatically until his own ends in a home that he finally finds for the last of his days. Ivan's journal of his life and experiences is so frank that at times one cannot help but wish to have known this awesome teenager.
For me, this story is heart rending, laughter generating and anger filled. How can those around him not see the remarkable individual inside this body? Ah, yes, there is an American doctor, who sees the individual within and brings Ivan signed baseballs from professional players again and again. How can others be so cruel to Ivan? All this makes me wonder if I could see beyond the body into the wonderful individual within? This was a mind boggling read and I will remember it for a long time.
Ivan was born without legs and an arm but his intelligent mind helped him cope with the life he had. It is believed that his birth defects were a result of fallout from Chernobyl. Like many, he is hidden away to live as best he may in this environment. For all of his seventeen years, he searches for those who will communicate, understand and yes, even love him.
Ivan's life is enlightened by the books he reads and reads. Many are brought to him by Natalya, who recognizes the mind within the ravaged body. She encourages his pursuits and praises his progress. He is a trickster who at times plays little games with those who ridicule him and thwart his interests. Sometimes they succeed but often they do not understand how much he knows and what he is doing to make life more bearable. Obviously, they do not know him.
The book is based on a diary found in ruins. The individual who wrote in it was Ivan who details his life and experiences. It's a book filled with love and compassion, one that this reader will long remember. I commend the author for sharing it with the world. I feel sorry for those who may not understand the messages shared here. This story is written from the heart.
