Daniel Isn't TalkingMarti LeimbachAnchorMay 8 2007Marti Leimbachs first novel, Dying Young, was called a masterpiece of details that always ring true, with the sad, funny and fascinating unpredictability of real life. With the same talent and perception, Leimbachs new novel takes the reader to London, to the home of the Marshes: Stephen Marsh, a true Brit; Melanie, a transplanted American; and their two children, four-year-old Emily and Daniel, just three. When it is conveyed that Daniel is autistic, the orderly life of the Marsh family is shattered.Melanie is determined to fight to teach Daniel to speak, play and become as normal as possible. Her enchanting disposition has already helped her weather other of lifes storms, but Daniels autism may just push her over the brink, destroying her resolute optimism and bringing her unsteady marriage to an inglorious end. The situation is not helped by Stephens far-from-supportive parents, who proudly display the family tree with Melanies name barely penciled in, and who remain disconcertingly attached to Stephens ex-fiancee, a woman apparently intent on restaking her claim on Stephen. Melanie does have one strong ally in Andy, a talented and off-the-wall play therapist who specializes in teaching autistic children. Andy proves that Daniel is far more capable than anyone imagined, and Melanie finds herself drawn to him even as she staggers toward resolving her marriage.Daniel Isnt Talking is a moving, deeply absorbing story of a family in crisis. What sets it apart from most fiction about difficult subjects is the authors ability to write about a sad and frightening situation with a seamless blend of warmth, compassion and humor. About the AuthorMARTI LEIMBACH is the author of several novels, including the international bestseller Dying Young, which was made into a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts. Born in Washington, D.C., she attended the Creative Writing program at the University of California, Irvine, and Harvard University. She currently lives in England and teaches at Oxford Universitys Creative Writing program.About ScrollmotionScrollMotion, creator of the Iceberg Reader, is a content technology company based in New York City. For more information, visit www.scrollmotion.com.SupportIf you have any technical problems please email us at icebergsupport@scrollmotion.com before you post a review.
