Daphne

When thirteen-year-old Daphne was reading The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy she was overcome with the wild passion of teenage imagination; first a buzzing sensation lit her body and then she dropped the book and was unable to move.

It happened, too, with sudden noises, fear, or strong emotions. She hid her affliction as best she could, for Dr. Bell's infinite tests brought no cure, only an unwelcome explanation: an autoimmune disorder had attacked part of her brain.

Daphne became an expert in tightly controlling her life--no unexpected jolts allowed, no passion--just routine, and her mantra and calming images to ward off the attacks that left her immobile and vulnerable.

Until into her life came a man, sweet and kind and patient. But can Daphne allow him into her life? 

I read this short novel in a day. The inspiration is the myth of Daphne, a nymph pursed by Apollo who was saved from his lust when the river god turned her into the Laurel tree.


Apollo and Daphne by Bernini
Daphne grapples with numerous challenges along with her disability. Her father died when she was only five. Her mother has finally met a man and is ready to move on with her life. Daphne feels responsibility to her support group members, her childhood best friend who takes big risks for business contacts, and to her staff at her job in a lab which uses dogs as test subjects studies in longevity. She tries to keep boundaries up and yet she would also like to free the dogs. 

When life seems to much to bear, she considers her options. Should she, like her support group friend, end it all? Return home, vanquished, admitting she failed at having a life of her own? Or accept that no one is perfect?

Daphne by Will Boast is a beautifully written book that caught me by surprise. I understood Daphne's weariness at being 'different', having grown up with a mother with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; Mom once asked me if I had been ashamed of her. For all the pain and isolation of Daphne's life, the disappointment that no one can ever really understand her reality, she is resilient. 

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

This debut novel from Will Boast is not the be missed! Based loosely on the story of Daphne and Apollo, this story centers on the life of Daphne, a young woman who suffers from a rare condition that causes paralysis when she encounters strong and deep emotions. She tries to live life normally (as best she can). Then enter Ollie who pushes her outside her comfort zone. I loved this book and recommend it highly.

This pleasant drama features a witty protagonist with an invisible disability that affects every moment of the day. Readers will enjoy the Daphne's path as she navigates her friendships, career, and family - and even moves forward.

Fascinating. If you, like me, don't remember the myth, don't worry about it. Boast has created a memorable character in Daphne, a woman coping with more than living with cataplexy. She's put her life into small boxes, as one would if any emotion can leave one on the ground. No driving, no news, no lots of things. I almost gave up on this when we learned what Daphne does for a living- 17% through on the kindle- but that would have been a huge mistake. Ollie, who Daphne meets in a bar, shakes things up and she begins to live. I loved the characters- not only Daphne but also the members of her group, her coworkers, her mom, and her best (only) friend. San Francisco is also a character- Boast uses it effectively. There are wonderful details, such as the description of Daphne's apartment. Daphne's effort to avoid emotion leads to crisis in a way she did not expect and her way forward is, well, read it for yourself. This one has lingered in my mind. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Beautiful writing and a unique story make this a real winner.