The Country of the Blind (O País dos Cegos): A Blind Man's Praise (Elogio de um Cego)
Review by Mike Calvo, Former CEO and Founder of Serotek, Current CEO and Co-founder of Pneuma Solutions
Andrew Leland’s deeply personal memoir “The Country of the Blind” spoke to me on the most profound level, offering a journey through shared experiences and sentiments as a member of the blind community. After hearing Andrew’s interview on the Living Blindfully podcast (formerly Mosen at Large), I was eager to delve into his narrative, and it was nothing short of illuminating.
The audiobook, narrated by Leland himself, is a captivating testament to his journey. Despite the complexities of narrating one’s work, Andrew’s personal touch and authenticity are palpable throughout. As a blind individual, father of seven, and an entrepreneur, I found his experiences and reflections to be incredibly relatable and profoundly impactful.
Throughout my life, I’ve had to contend with societal stigmas and misconceptions about blindness. However, I refuse to perceive myself as an ‘afflicted’ individual. I’m simply a man navigating life, raising my family, and building my business. Leland’s narrative not only echoes these sentiments but provides a much-needed voice for our often-misunderstood community.
His introspective dialogues effectively capture the shared feelings, questions, and reactions of our community. The book is a beacon for those newly navigating the world of blindness, providing guidance and reassurance through the emotional whirlwind accompanying sight loss.
I resonate deeply with Leland’s narrative, having lost my sight at 18 due to detached retinas in both eyes. Although our paths to blindness were different, the shared experiences and reactions are a testament to the fact that blindness does not equate to disability. Instead, it’s societal prejudice that poses our most significant challenges.
Much like the LGBTQ community, I believe our community needs to assert our pride and demonstrate our capabilities. As people who are blind, we are not disabled. Instead, we face the challenge of accessing information in a world where information is king.
Andrew Leland’s work in various fields, from writing and teaching to audio production, demonstrates his commitment to these goals. His writings have graced renowned publications such as the New Yorker e the New York Times. He has produced meaningful audio content for Radiolab e 99 Percent Invisible, hosted the Organist podcast, and edited for the Believer. His commitment to the blind community is evident in his endeavors.
I encourage everyone, especially those keen to understand the world of the blind, to explore “The Country of the Blind”. The audiobook, narrated by Andrew, adds a layer of personal connection that amplifies his powerful words. His book not only educates but challenges societal perceptions of blindness, paving the way for much-needed change.
You can learn more about Andrew and his work on his website.
Rating: 5/5 Stars