Every Cripple a Superhero

Christoph Keller's memoir, "Every Cripple a Superhero," is a poignant exploration of life with a progressive disorder, navigating a world not designed for him. It is a defiant call to arms, affecting and lingering long in the memory. Keller's photographs of the unexpected beauty in puddle-filled curb cuts reveal a truer world where disability is more widespread than we might think, and everyday superheroes exist alongside us.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Fascinating, compelling, and incredibly funny, "Every Cripple a Superhero" is a defiant call to arms that will leave a lasting impact on readers long after they reach its final page. The Sunday Times describes it as a "defiant call to arms," while the Morning Star praises it as a "skilful act of literary witness, sharp, moving, and funny." Christoph Keller, the author, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Swiss writers.

Keller's childhood diagnosis of a form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA III, presented a unique perspective. Unlike many stories of disability that follow a predictable pattern of "Life Before Accident" and "Life After Accident," Keller's condition had been with him since birth. SMA III, the kindest form, allows individuals to live a long life, but it progresses slowly and has no cure. By the age of 25, Keller had to use a wheelchair occasionally.

In "Every Cripple a Superhero," Keller shares his personal journey with a progressive disorder. He describes the two distinct aspects of himself: "Walking Me" and "Rolling Me." By the age of 32, Keller could still walk with a cane or on someone's arm, but by 45, "Rolling Me" had taken over completely. The book is an intimate and absurdist memoir that explores the challenges of living with a progressive disorder in a world not designed for you.

Keller's photographs of the unexpected beauty found in puddle-filled curb cuts, pavement ramps that disintegrate into urban obstacle courses, and the lives of everyday superheroes add depth and perspective to the narrative. Through his humor and immense grace, Keller reveals a truer world where the normal is not normal, disability is more widespread than we might think, and there are always everyday superheroes living alongside us.

"Every Cripple a Superhero" is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of individuals with disabilities. It challenges societal norms and stereotypes and encourages readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of the human experience and celebrate the strength and resilience of those who face challenges head-on.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 135 x 206 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241593219