Any medical condition or injury is life-altering, even if it’s just for the short term. But imagine being a competing rugby player who in the space of a second loses the ability to move. How do you even begin to go on with so much of your world so fundamentally altered, with nothing you can do about it? Do you just give up? Or maybe, it’s the moment to begin anew.
The Little Big Things is a memoir about the journey of Henry Fraser, a young sporty student who quickly found his entire life turned upside down when he lost the movement of his arms and legs in an accident on holiday. Detailing the early few days, months in hospital and eventual recovery and his flourishing into a successful mouth artist, his memoir is a story of triumph and hope, when everything he had ever held dear was put in peril.
I first became aware of Henry Fraser and his story through seeing the West End musical of the same name, which is based on his memoir. After seeing that I had to read this book, and I was not left disappointed. Whilst short and a very quick read (I finished it in just over two hours), it is such a powerful and emotional story that Henry tells so well. Every moment is painted so clearly in your mind and you can’t help but tear up, feel the overwhelming joy and learn some of the lessons he himself learned on this journey, including the importance of appreciating what you have, how every day is a good day in one way or another, and recognising the little big things that make your life what it is.
Just as I implored you to go and see the West End musical, which closes today, read this memoir. It is one of the most powerful books I have ever read, and despite its short length, I felt by the end as if I was saying goodbye to a friend who had inspired me so much. Give this book a read, and you too will appreciate his story.
Rating: ★★★★★
The Little Big Things (ISBN: 978-1-4091-6779-2) was published in 2017
