The Country of the Blind

The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland is a profound exploration of the author's personal journey from a life of full vision to one gradually enveloped by blindness. As he navigates the unpredictable progression of his condition, retinitis pigmentosa, Leland offers readers a compelling and deeply human narrative, intertwining his own experiences with a broader cultural and historical investigation of blindness.

Leland's memoir begins with his early years, living with full vision and then moving into adolescence when he first begins to notice his peripheral vision dimming. This progressive vision loss ushers him into a liminal state—the space between sightedness and blindness—where uncertainty looms large. Yet, even as he faces this daunting transformation, Leland's inherent curiosity drives him to explore what blindness will mean for him, beyond the physical loss of sight.

He delves into the language, politics, and customs associated with blindness, unfolding a rich, multifaceted culture often overlooked by those with typical vision. Through engaging anecdotes and reflective passages, Leland takes readers on a journey that is as educational as it is emotional. This memoir goes beyond personal reflection, examining how blindness shapes one's relationships, particularly with Leland's wife and son, and challenging preconceived notions of disability.

Leland's narrative is further enriched by his exploration of societal and historical perspectives on blindness. He weaves together stories of blind pioneers, activists, and everyday individuals who have carved out their own places in a sight-dominated world. This aspect of the book adds considerable depth, presenting blindness as not just a personal challenge but as a state of being with its own distinct identity and community.

Full of warmth and humor, The Country of the Blind is a memoir that confronts the fear and uncertainty of losing sight, while also celebrating the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. It is no wonder that this book has garnered significant acclaim, being named one of the best books of the year by prominent publications including The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and LitHub. It was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, underscoring its impact and significance.

Rachel Aviv, author of Strangers to Ourselves, describes it as "about seeing—but also about marriage and family and the moral and emotional challenge of accommodating the parts of ourselves that scare us. A warm, profound, and unforgettable meditation on how we adjust to new ways of being in the world."

The Atlantic hailed it as one of the 10 best books of the year, noting, "The great strength of this memoir is its voracious, humble curiosity." Indeed, Leland's determination not just to survive the transition to blindness but to thrive and seek out the enlightenment it offers is what makes this book an exhilarating read.