The Cracks That Let the Light In
Jessica thought she was prepared for motherhood.
But after giving birth, she found herself facing a different, more uncertain reality than the one she had expected.
Her son, Ben, is disabled and needs help with all aspects of daily life. Jessica has to learn how to feed Ben when he can’t eat, communicate with him when he can’t talk, and wrestle with red tape to secure his rights. But the act of reading to Ben enriches both of their lives and allows them into new worlds beyond the walls of home and hospital.
As Ben begins to thrive, Jessica finds that caring for a child with unique needs teaches her about appreciating our differences and doing things your own way.
This uplifting story is about the power of family love, the joy of reading and what it means to be seen as different.
The Cracks That Let the Light In is a memoir about the first ten years of raising my eldest, disabled son. It was published in 2021 by Hachette UK (Endeavour) and is available in hardback, paperback, eBook and audio.
‘A powerful, moving and inspiring story – it opens up a whole new world of understanding.’ Esther Freud
‘I loved everything about this book. Totally opened my eyes. So much love in these pages.’ Emma Barnett, Woman’s Hour
A courageous, heart-rending story of grief, love and ultimately hope. 5*’ Natasha Harding, The Sun
‘The Cracks That Let the Light In chimed so clearly with my own experiences of growing up with a disabled older sister and my feelings as a parent. The book reveals that disabilities only make people difference up to a point. And that parenting, and the love of a parent, is the same.’ Rory Kinnear
‘This is wonderful. I urge you to read it. It is life enhancing and I defy you not to fall in love with Ben!’ Natasha Poliszczuk, You Magazine
‘Honest, joyful and full of love’ Jess Thom, Touretteshero
My interview about the book on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour is here
