A visit to Tibet's first school for the blind, 'Braille Without Borders', piques Rosemary Mahoney's interest in the world of the blind. The result? A fascinating odyssey that investigates German woman Sabriye A visit to Tibet's first school for the blind, 'Braille Without Borders', piques Rosemary Mahoney's interest in the world of the blind. The result? A fascinating odyssey that investigates German woman Sabriye Tenberken's work for blind children in Lhasa and for blind adults in Kerala, India.
Supported by extensive research and the experiences of many blind people, this book explores the history and culture of blindness, particularly in developing countries, offering the reader a unique opportunity to revel in a different perspective of the world.
An informative and inspiring read.
WINT 001
24-08-2023
Everyone enjoyed this book, in particular the stories about the Nepalese children and the facility in Kerala. A wide ranging discussion on the senses followed. We all agreed that we now have an better understanding of how sight develops in children and the role perception plays when looking at other people's lives.
COROM 002
12-10-2022
We all found this book very interesting, telling the history of the treatment of 'blind people', their amazing capabilities, and the development of Braille and schools. The brain's role in the function of seeing, and people's reaction to the regaining of sight...it was all an "eye-opener"! The notes and questions were excellent too, thanks to the part blind writer. Well discussed.
AUCK 397
28-10-2020
A bit hard going; not very well-written. The second to last chapter was the best!
AUCK 063
28-10-2020
Mixed response - some were irritated by the self indulgent therapy approach of the author, others loved her descriptive writing.
HAVE 016
28-10-2020
Most of the group did not enjoy reading the book, as found it difficult to get into. We did marvel however at the ability of the blind to recognise people, and to get around. A few were fascinated by the historical chapter.
CHCH 257
28-10-2020
A very informative and well-written book. The ability of the author to give such detailed descriptions of the personalities, clothes and attitudes and accomplishments of the 'pupils' was extraordinary.
INVER 001
28-10-2020
The book was generally enjoyed once members got into it. A couple of members work in Special Education so were able to elaborate on experiences working with blind students... Very informative and provoked a lot of discussion.
WELL 130
11-05-2020
We found the book informative about blindness.
INVER 003
23-04-2018
The group gave this book a score of 7-9/10. Everyone enjoyed it, finding it readable, educational and insightful. Many discussed the book relating it to people encountered in their own lives. Lively discussion.
TAUP 005
23-04-2018
An amazing and uplifting book that has a very moving message for all sighted people.
ALEXA 003
23-04-2018
All those who finished the book agreed it was a revelation - beautifully written, easy to read and covering a topic that most of us aren't familiar with, blindness. Hugely informative and quite entertaining.
WELL 207
23-04-2018
Mixed response to the book. The person whose choice it was in the first place, found she couldn't get into it. The others all said they wouldn't have chosen it themselves, but were pleased they'd read it! The writing is uneven. While we all enjoyed the anecdotes from the 2 schools, some found the author a little patronising. It was interesting to learn how the blind had been treated historically, but some found it a bit hard going. Learning that the brain needs to learn how to see was an absolute revelation for most of us. It led to a decent discussion, and we were pleased to read it.
