The Art of Adapting a Novel by Cassandra Dunn

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book. No other compensation to write the review was received. All opinions are my own. Please note that affiliate links have been used in this review and I get a few cents when you make a purchase. 

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In The Art of Adapting: A Novel,  a debut novel by Cassandra Dunn, “a recently divorced woman rises to the challenge and experiences the exhilaration of independence with the unlikely help of her brother with Asperger’s, who she takes in to help pay the rent.”

Overall I enjoyed The Art of Adapting. I read through this book rather quickly – it was wonderfully written, warm and touches on many relatable family issues. 

Told from the perspective of 4 characters: Lana (recently divorced mother), Matt (Lana’s brother with Asperger’s) and Lana’s teenage children – Abby and Byron. “The Art of Adapting is about how these characters strive to overcome their personal challenges while finding balance in their new family dynamic.” And the story weaves from perspective to perspective to move the story along and provide insight. In some aspects the switch is compelling and in other moments – when I was really getting into the character’s story, the change seemed jolting. 

While each of the characters in The Art of Adapting are interesting, the character I want to focus on was Matt – for obvious reasons. I like reading accounts – both non-fiction and fiction – about people who have some form of autism. There is always something I can take away from reading about them regardless of how their autism compares to my son. 

Matt hated crying. His tears or anyone else’s. It was too much for him. It made him want to act out and drive the feeling away with something bigger and more physical. (p. 119)

I underlined and highlighted the above sentences as soon as I read them. It reminded me so much of Norrin. He becomes very upset seeing someone cry and often acts out. Reading Matt’s explanation gave me some insight why. And it made sense.

What I admire about Dunn is that she included someone with a disability in her novel. Matt was based on Dunn’s Uncle Michael Dunn who also had Asperger’s. Matt is not the burden but in many ways the savior of the family. And his story is told with honesty and dignity. I think many parents will read this book and feel a connection to Matt.

If you’ve read The Art of Adapting, I’d love to hear your thoughts!