Autism isn’t expressionless. Autism is creative. Autism doesn’t make our words lose meaning; it gives them new life. Autism is not (and should not) be seen as predictable and, while we like to say that autism is a rewiring of the mind, it’s more accurate to say that autism is an alternative ignition; a different fuel which fans our unique thoughts, ‘A Kind of Spark’.
For first time readers of this site, I hope you’ll pardon these upfront assertions (I swear I don’t usually start like this). However, I have just finished reading the debut novel by Elle McNicoll: ‘A Kind of Spark’ and, wowee, does it inspire you to advocate from the rooftops. Let me explain…
A Kind of Spark Review:
If you had lived a quiet life of difference and distance, only to learn that it wasn’t long ago that people with similar traits were burned on a fire, drowned in lakes and hung from trees, the chances are you wouldn’t react well. Yet, when autistic Addie Murphy learns of the fate that awaited the witches of past, she doesn’t settle with feeling sorry for herself and, instead, seeks to get justice through a village memorial.
This isn’t a story of retribution though, in fact, it’s far from it. Instead, A Kind of Spark is a charming tale of equality and understanding, teaching the lesson that it takes all colours to make a rainbow – and this book certainly has a colourful cast of characters.
To this extent, A Kind of Spark may seem like a wholesome story full of arduous adults and new friendships, but there’s also a deeper discussion buried within. At first, this is something you may worry might budge the age rating of Addie’s joyful journey but, like a rude joke in a children’s movie, these messages are only there for those looking; perfectly balanced within it’s ‘something for all the family’ narrative.
In a similar vein, the plot within A Kind of Spark never goes the way you expect, twisting and turning like the ominous hanging tree which haunts Addie’s campaign. This makes for many captivating moments that urge you to read on; an uncertain journey where plot points are handled with as much care as its many themes require.
A Kind of Spark’s Many Kinds of Themes:
As Harry Potter fans have recently learnt, sometimes it’s best to keep impressions of an author as far away from their creation as possible. However, with A Kind of Spark, it seems that the two come as a pair. This is because Elle McNicoll’s book is so deeply ingrained in its neurodiverse, Scottish roots that every personal detail almost certainly came from her personal experiences.
In many instances, this makes A Kind of Spark burst with personality and direction, but I particularly admire that it manifests in a book where autism isn’t a theme, a bit of narrative spice or a flavour of the month, it’s a perspective which allows us to revisit classic young adult plot threads, where we’re not seeing how strange the spectrum may seem, but how strange the world is from an autistic view. For example:
Bullying:
Autistic people aren’t always the best judges of character, but it’s our lack of self-belief that creates the real problems (as even when we think we may be victimised, we question whether we are misreading the situation). Because of this, A Kind of Spark takes a much weightier view of exploitation in the autistic community, demonstrating that abuse can come from anywhere: a once close friend, a family member or even someone in a point of authority.
Like real life, this isn’t clear cut in its depiction, and I applaud the book for showing the variety in which this consists, including: a lack of understanding from someone who should know better, a relative who has a momentary lapse in judgement and a wicked teacher who refuses to progress with the outside world (we’ve all had one).
Family:
It speaks volumes for the quality of A Kind of Spark that I have got this far in the review without mentioning any of the book’s many, many subplots. So, let’s quickly hit pause on my gushing over the book’s main narrative and redirect my praise to the intriguing aspects which reside outside of it – in particular, Addie’s brilliant family:
- Addie’s older autistic sensei sister (Keedie): who is struggling to adjust to university
- Keedie’s make-up vlogger twin (Nina): who dreams of a life she can’t afford
- Their parents: who are as overworked as they are under-appreciated
A Kind of Spark works so well because each of these characters feels so real. However, it’s when people of significance come together in the book that it’s pages are at its most realised – painting a wonderful picture of middle-class living, in which not everyone is striving for rags to riches, they’re just getting by (and isn’t that enough?).
Witches:
People who are singled out for exhibiting different behaviour, and who subsequently become targets of prejudice, play a major role within A Kind of Spark – as we learn the struggles of not fitting in perfectly to the world’s expectations. This becomes the main driving force behind Addie’s motive due to its clear parallels with autism, and it’s an analogy which works wonders for making you consider how far the autism community has come (and how far is still has to go).
In a particular heavy turn for the book, A Kind of Spark even compares the rigged trials of yesteryear to the current false imprisonment which many autistic people suffer under the mental health act and while, yes, this should be out of place in A Kind of Spark, McNicol earns this comparison by building to it through pages and pages of clever subtext.
Should You Read A Kind of Spark?
A Kind of Spark is magical, not magical in the ways of the witches it describes, mind you, but magical in a manner akin to a magician’s show: the story is fun, the characters are whimsical and above all, it keeps things light-hearted. Yet, in a nifty bit of sleight of hand, the books mask complexities which are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt different, reassuring them that better things are to come.
For those looking to be enchanted by A Kind of Spark, the book is currently available on Amazon but, for those who would like to support their locals (which may currently be struggling), I would first recommend popping into your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it there.
Carry on the Conversation:
What have you been reading lately? Let me know in the comments below. And, for more upcoming autism releases, why not check out my article on The Best Autism Books to Look Forward to in 2020.
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next week for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
