Book Review: Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a beautifully written book about a young boy called August. Because of the boy’s facial deformity he is often being ignored by others, laughed at, ridiculed, stared at every second, and judged by appearance. All this when he is barely ten years old. The agony which he undergoes every time while dealing with all this ugly stuff, makes this tale an extraordinary one.

While narrating the little boy’s plight of facial deformity, other issues like bullying, body shaming, parenting and lot of other important issues are dealt with a lot of sensitivity. While the story revolves around Auggie's life, the author has beautifully brought in the different perspectives of the people around. The way the language differs with each character's narration is mesmerizing; one can almost hear each of their voices.

The book is wonderfully written, using simple words and doling out valuable lessons. Readers may go on an emotional roller coaster while reading the book - anxious at times, beaming with pride, happy tears, lump in throat. For or less, this is most certainly one of the most favourite books for people who handle children with deformities.

August has a loving family - a cool dad whose humour pulls them up, elder sister Olivia who loves Auggie despite the sacrifices she has to make due to the extra attention and care he needs, his loving and protective mom who loves him unconditionally, his dog Daisy who loves him for who he is. Also his friends who stand up for him against all odds. Like one of them mentions, the bravest thing they have done is probably being friends with Auggie, knowing very well how almost the entire school is against them. Each character is beautifully sketched out.

The director of the school, Mr.Tushman, embodies educators who not just do their job but inspire children to be better humans. In a world where such people are fast dwindling, hope there is at least a Tushman for every school.

The journey of Auggie is not just a story of a little boy grappling with societal acceptance but also of triumph of kindness, courage and love. This is the story of a kid wanting a normal life. The world needs these important messages of kindness, empathy, friendship, values, courage and love to be reinforced and shared until it becomes a way of life.

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