My Left Foot
My Left Foot
Book Brief
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1940s
1954
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
My Left Foot by Christy Brown is an autobiography chronicling his life and achievements despite being born with severe cerebral palsy. Initially dismissed as mentally disabled, Brown defied expectations by using his left foot to communicate, ultimately becoming a successful author, painter, and poet. His journey includes transformative experiences, personal struggles, and the support of his mother and Dr. Robert Collis.
Inspirational
Emotional
Challenging
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
8,834 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
My Left Foot by Christy Brown is widely praised for its inspirational and candid portrayal of Brown's life with cerebral palsy. Reviewers commend the book's raw emotional depth and engaging narrative, although some note occasional lapses in pacing. The autobiographical account's vivid and unflinching honesty offers both triumph and struggle in equal measure.
Who Should Read My Left Foot?
Readers who relish autobiographies showcasing resilience and triumph over adversity will find My Left Foot by Christy Brown captivating. Similar to those who enjoyed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby or I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, this memoir offers profound personal insight and inspiration.
8,834 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
My Left Foot was adapted into an acclaimed film in 1989, for which Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Christy Brown.
Christy Brown was an Irish author and painter who, despite being born with cerebral palsy, used the toes of his left foot to write and paint, demonstrating extraordinary determination and creativity.
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The book was initially self-published by Brown in 1954 with support from his mother and later gained widespread recognition, eventually bringing attention to his exceptional talents and life story.
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192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1940s
1954
Adult
18+ years
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