Wallis Ann has always watched over her older sister Laci, who is mute, yet musically gifted. In today’s terms she would be classified as autistic. Back in those days, the term idiot savant was used, which did not set well at all with Momma Stamper. There is also a term known as “savant syndrome,” and I’ve always found those stories about the special abilities of individuals we’ve heard of, or maybe have seen on TV, fascinating and downright mysterious. Here is a link to the ten most fascinating savants in the world. I loved reading about each and every one of them.
Laci plays folk music; ballads taught to her out of hymn books, or the familial songs passed down through her family, recollected and reproduced simply by sight and sound. While with the traveling show, she encounters classical music played by one of the carnival workers. As you can imagine, someone like Laci joining the traveling show is a source of fascination, some of it good and bad. There are always those who have no problems exploiting the innocent, and in this case, expanding Laci’s repertoire is only part of that exploitation.
Chapter Twenty Two
It come as no surprise Laci learned the song quick as she did.
Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOK Fall/Winter 2017, and a SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) Trio Pick for 2018, THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET releases December 26th, 2017.
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I find the savant syndrome fascinating and mysterious, too, Donna! As for Laci’s exploiters, I’m already fuming at them, and I have a strong urge to protect her. As always, you masterfully invoke strong emotions in your readers because you are such a great writer… <3 <3 <3
The savant syndrome, and also any child who is a prodigy, have always been a fascination to me. It’s like they were born with talents from a previous life or something. I recently saw an episode – I think it was on CBS Sunday Morning – about this 11 year old girl who has been compared to Mozart for her musical abilities – not only for composing classical songs, but playing violin and piano. And what about the people who can recall a day of any year, and know what took place on that day??? Stuff like that astounds me.
Thank you for your kind comment as always, Lilac! <3 <3 <3