The Anti-Romantic Child: A Story of Unexpected Joy

“A beautifully sinuous and intensely literary celebration of the exceptional, unconventional child.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Priscilla Gilman, a teacher of romantic poetry who embraced Wordsworth’s vision of childhood’s spontaneous wonder, eagerly anticipated the birth of her first child, certain that he would come trailing clouds of glory. But as Benjamin grew, his remarkable precocity was associated with a developmental disorder that would dramatically alter the course of Priscilla’s dreams.

In The Anti-Romantic Child, a memoir full of lyricism and light, Gilman explores our hopes and expectations for our children, our families, and ourselves—and the ways in which experience may lead us to re-imagine them. Using literature as a touchstone, Gilman reveals her journey through crisis to joy, illuminating the flourishing of life that occurs when we embrace the unexpected. The Anti-Romantic Child is a profoundly moving and compellingly universal book about family, parenthood, and love.

“Haunting and lyrical.” —Marie Brenner, author of Apples and Oranges

“Rapturously beautiful and deeply moving, profound and marvelous” —Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon and Far From the Tree

“A lovely, thoughtful memoir.” —The Boston Globe

“A striking celebration of the bond between a mother and son.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Gilman is at once lyrical and deeply analytical as she explores the complexities of parenthood and the need to embrace the unforeseen.” —Booklist, starred review

“A book every parent should read.” —Kathryn Erskine, National Book award–winning author of Mockingbird

“A very moving personal story.” —Tina Brown, Newsweek

“Smart, soulful, and involving.” —Nick Hornby, The Believer

© 2023 HarperCollins e-books (E-bog): 9780062078261

Release date

E-bog: 21. november 2023