Book Review: The Grammar of My Body by Abhishek Anicca
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Namrata reviews Abhishek Anicca’s The Grammar of My Body (Published by Penguin India, 2023) calling it a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of disability and chronic illness.
Abhishek Anicca’s The Grammar of My Body is not just a memoir-in-essays; it is a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of disability and chronic illness. Anicca, a writer, poet, and spoken word artist uses his own experiences to challenge and subvert the ableist expectations of society. His essays are sparse yet rich, compelling the reader to engage with themes of selfhood, care, dignity, and desire in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
From the outset, Anicca sets the tone for a narrative that refuses to conform to the stereotypical portrayal of disabled individuals as mere inspirations or underdogs who have overcome their conditions. Instead, he presents a candid and unflinching account of his life, marked by radical vulnerability and piercing mindfulness. The result is a collection of essays that are as enlightening as they are challenging, inviting readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about disability.
