In Amanda Leduc’s carefully researched book “Disfigured” there is an engaging and arresting combination of biography, social commentary and revealing critiques of fairy tale. From the Brothers Grimm to Disney, Amanda reveals their impact on disability perception and advocates stories that celebrate diversity.
I enjoy the way that the writing transitions from knowledgable analysis of fairy tale, through personal biography to social insight throughout the text. The three modes of commentary reinforce her argument and maintain engagement in a way that makes the text both a popular read and a valuable well researched resource. Amanda places herself firmly in the narrative to draw the ableist thinker into a paradigm shift that is justified by her well referenced analysis.
Leduc connects fairy tales’ portrayal of disabled characters to societal attitudes, challenging traditional narratives and encouraging a reimagining of fairy tales to include diverse experiences. It is to be celebrated as a crucial read for reevaluating the fairy tales’ influence on real-world attitudes towards disability.
The book challenges normative ableist values. Amanda discusses how a shift in representation, in a genre that nestles deep in subconscious bedrock of society, could positively change attitudes towards disability. I think part of the genius of her writing is its non normative inclusivity that seeks to include and transform the ableist thinker. There is the idea that a revised acknowledgement and perhaps transformation of how these archetypes are treated in fairy tale could have a positive effect for all.
Douglas Thompson
Leduc, A.. 2020. Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space. Coach House Books.
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