I didn't always enjoy the very detailed writing style but I was really fascinated by the life of Anne Sullivan. I learned that she was sent to an almshouse at ten years old by her father after her mother died. She lived a difficult life there until she was 14 when she managed to be sent to a school for the blind because she was half blind herself due to trachoma. When Helen Keller's success was recognized early on Anne struggled to get any credit and later, when she did, she felt unworthy due to her poor upbring and the fact that it was Helen who graduated from Radcliffe and not her (although she fingerspelled most of the material). Also, Helen was the primary breadwinner most of the time and they lived together until Anne died. Anne was a spunky, complicated woman who wouldn't let other people get in her way! An extraordinary look at the woman behind Helen Keller. I must admit, I'd never though much about Annie Sullivan and what her life must have been like, and so this book was truly a revelation. The author does a great job painting a sympathetic portrait of an incredibly complex woman, drawing from letters and historical records. When the information doesn't exist, Nielsen gives her own opinions in a way that doesn't seem pendantic. Much enjoyed.
this book and movie was so good i cried toward the end because its so sad but also funny
—jscott0502
It was slow, but interesting. Surprisingly led to a pretty good book group discussion!
—tania_grahams
Warm and accessible; really gave me new insight into Anne Sullivan's life.
—bookworm5
amazing, there are not limits for the human heart and will
—belu
At times interesting, at times kinda dry.
—hannah
