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Title:	Patience
Authors:	Scott, Victoria
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	417
Year:	2021
Language:	English
Description:	Patience is at the heart of the Willow family. Now in her 30s, she was born with Rett syndrome, rendering her unable to speak or control her body. When an opportunity arises for her to undergo experimental gene therapy that might reverse her condition, her parents Louise and Peter, and sister Eliza face an impossible choice. Poignant, gripping and thought-provoking, this heart-warming story was penned by an author with first-hand experience of such a dilemma.
Categories:	Fiction, Human Rights, Medical/Health, Morals/Ethics, Relationships, Science & Technology, Social commentary/perspectives, England, UK, Popular Fiction, Larger font, 2025 Titles, New Adult

Reviews

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By: OHAU 002		2026-01-10 15:07:18

Very mixed reaction to this book. Some very positive, others not nearly so keen. Quite lively discussion though, especially on the difficulty of whether or not to accept the trial; and the various perspectives of the mother, father, and Patience.

By: AUCK 271		2026-01-08 15:00:59

We ALL enjoyed this book. It raised some interesting ethical questions. It gave us an insight into what it might be like to live as a disabled person who has significant health issues and no means of communication.

By: MARLB 001		2025-08-18 10:20:58

Great book which split the group rather - some backed Louise but most felt for Pete.

By: MOTUE 003		2025-07-09 10:04:32

A very mixed bag of opinions on 'Patience'. One thought it the best book ever, while others felt it needed editing, was too long, lacked heart, characters hard to relate to. Great discussion on disabled education.

By: TIMAR 020		2025-06-23 12:52:45

Enjoyed by all. Great discussions, often related to our own experiences. "Couldn't put it down" was often said.

By: ASHB 016		2025-05-14 07:35:21

Most of us enjoyed this book and found it interesting at the same time. It was easy to read, even though the topic was controversial and sad. None of us knew what we would do in the same situation. Most were annoyed that it wrapped up so neat and tidy with everyone happy, because life is not like that. It was interesting to read the authors notes at the end.

By: MAST 019		2025-04-30 12:57:00

We had mixed reactions to this book but great discussion. One of us didn't read it as the subject matter was too triggering. The rest of us thought it was an easy read despite the controversial and though-provoking topics it raised. We all had a great deal of empathy for Louise and Patience, but less so with the other characters. There was a certain amount of displeasure with the seemingly "happy ever after" ending which didn't fit well with the preceding torrid narrative. It wasn't a book that any of us would have chosen to read, but we appreciate being pushed out of our comfort zones.

By: WHITIAN 003		2025-04-28 09:58:39

A very well-written story of the agony and pain of having a handicapped child and the challenging family situation. Everyone in the family is affected, and anyone outside the family simply does not understand!

By: WHAKA 008		2024-08-29 14:06:48

The book created a lot of discussion within our group. Characters were well developed. Story of family was relatable. We all discussed the dilemma of agreeing to this new gene research.