Invisible Differences

June 15, 2020
Dachez and Caroline explore life with Asperger’s syndrome with candor and compassion in their English-language debut. Marguerite, a fictionalized version of Dachez, is a young Parisian woman who loves vegetarian food, sunny days, and her pets—and is frustrated about the ways she’s different from other people. Caroline’s delightfully loose, loopy style, reminiscent of Julia Wertz, captures Marguerite’s anxiety: the suffocating background noise of her gossipy office, how she can’t stand the feeling of most clothing, and the Herculean effort it takes her to get through a party. An adult diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome
comes as a joyous relief—but how is she supposed to explain it to ignorant friends, coworkers, and doctors? Caroline’s use of highly saturated color creeping in and out of black and gray scenes brilliantly conveys the intrusive intensity of Marguerite’s experience of the world: scribbled red letters for the distracting babble of children, sour yellow for a dismissive doctor’s office, and cheery teal to backlight a gathering of Marguerite’s fellow “aspies.” This soulful and serious look at Asperger’s syndrome brings an informed and optimistic perspective to the fore.

Starred review from July 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Marguerite is a young woman who struggles with social interactions, depends on routine, and is sensitive to sound and touch. Her family, coworkers, and even the medical professionals she looks to for help just find her confusing. She finally meets a therapist who takes her seriously and recognizes her issues. Marguerite is tested and diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism (though the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual folded the term Asperger's under autism spectrum disorder, it continues to be used colloquially). With resources for support, Marguerite begins to advocate for herself, fighting to make changes in her professional and social interactions so she can lead a healthy, happy life. This #OwnVoices story is based on Dachez's years of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed-in France, the medical profession lags behind that of other countries in understanding autism. After her diagnosis, she became a researcher and activist. Mademoiselle Caroline's art is outstanding, powerfully conveying Marguerite's anxiety and shame. A monochrome palette gives way to warm or cool tones; pops of red start small, become overwhelming, then finally symbolize Marguerite's positive new outlook. The endnotes include a concise guide to understanding Asperger's and ways to help "Aspies" succeed. VERDICT This stellar exploration of living with Asperger's belongs in all school and public libraries.-Carla Riemer, Albany H.S., CA

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