Far from the Tree

Far from the Tree (book)

Far from the Tree is a book written by Andrew Solomon that explores the lives of families coping with children who are profoundly different from them in various ways. The book was published in 2012 and has received critical acclaim for its in-depth research and empathetic portrayal of diverse family dynamics.

Overview

"Far from the Tree" examines the concept of horizontal identity, which refers to traits that are foreign to one's parents and are not typically shared within a family. Solomon delves into the lives of families dealing with a wide range of conditions and identities, including deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, and children who are prodigies, among others.

Structure

The book is divided into twelve chapters, each focusing on a different condition or identity. These chapters include:

• Deafness
• Dwarfism
• Down syndrome
• Autism
• Schizophrenia
• Disability
• Prodigies
• Rape
• Crime
• Transgender
• Fatherhood
• Solomon's own story

Themes

"Far from the Tree" explores several key themes, including:

• The nature of identity and how it is shaped by both genetics and environment.
• The challenges and rewards of parenting children who are different.
• The societal and cultural perceptions of various conditions and identities.
• The resilience and adaptability of families in the face of adversity.

Reception

The book has been praised for its thorough research, compassionate storytelling, and the breadth of its subject matter. It has won several awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction.

Related Pages

• Andrew Solomon
• Horizontal identity
• Deafness
• Dwarfism
• Down syndrome
• Autism
• Schizophrenia
• Prodigy
• Transgender

See Also

• Parenting
• Identity
• Genetics
• Disability rights movement