Shtum

Lester’s debut, based on his experience of raising a child with autism, is an emotional and uplifting tale of love and sacrifice. Ben and Emma Jewell want the best for their son, Jonah, and they believe that includes placing him in a special residential school for kids with autism. However, obtaining approval for that placement will not be easy. Emma thinks Jonah will have the best chance of getting into the school if they fake a separation, so she convinces Ben to move in with his father, Georg—a transition that proves more challenging than anyone imagined. With Emma largely out of the picture, Ben is faced with being a single father to a 10-year-old son who is profoundly autistic, largely uncommunicative, and physically aggressive, while living with a father from whom he is largely estranged. With all these difficulties, Ben must also convince the admissions tribunal that the residential school is the most appropriate placement for Jonah. Complex characters and wonderful descriptions combine to create an honest yet blunt portrayal of the trials and triumphs associated with raising a child with autism. Agent: Laura Williams, Peters, Fraser, and Dunlop. (May)