43 pages • 1 hour read
Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body (2011)
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South Africa • 1980s
2011
Adult
14-18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius is a memoir recounting Martin's childhood misdiagnosis, which left him unable to communicate for years while fully conscious. At age 12, Martin lost control of his muscles and memory. Misdiagnosed, his parents were told to expect his death. Regaining awareness at 16, he was unable to communicate until a caregiver recognized his consciousness. With specialized help, he learned to communicate via computer, reclaiming his voice, dreams, and independence. He fell in love with Joanna, marrying her and leaving his silent years behind. The book includes descriptions of physical and sexual abuse.
Inspirational
Emotional
Challenging
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
37,804 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius earns high praise for its profound narrative on resilience and hope. Readers appreciate its heartfelt, compelling story, although some note occasional pacing issues. Despite minor criticisms, the memoir is celebrated for shedding light on the inner world of a person presumed lost.
Who Should Read Ghost Boy?
Readers who appreciate inspiring true stories of resilience and personal triumph will enjoy Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius. Fans of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby will find a similar emotional depth and insight into the human spirit. This memoir appeals to those intrigued by personal journeys through extreme adversity.
37,804 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South Africa • 1980s
2011
Adult
14-18+ years
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