Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease that consumes a person’s life before slowly killing them young. I was born with this horrible condition, but have endeavoured to lead a normal life despite it. Or at least as normal a life as anyone with three toddlers, a three-stone puppy intent on escape, a recently self-employed husband and a daily habit of 45 pills, 4 nebulisers and 2 physiotherapy sessions can lead. One Tiny Fault is the story of my life from diagnosis to now, explaining what cystic fibrosis is, and how it shapes the lives of those who have it.
In Halstead's tale, CF's truth is told, her life laid bare with honesty and grace. With laughter mixed in stories she unfolds, a journey shared, her courage we embrace.
One Tiny Fault by Abigail Halstead is an exceptionally moving and relatable biography that provides an intimate glimpse into the life of someone living with cystic fibrosis (CF). As a fellow CF patient, I found her experiences deeply resonant, despite the differences in our individual journeys. Her chapters detailing the chaos with her children were highly entertaining and often made me laugh, adding a delightful balance to the book's more serious themes.
Abigail's ability to articulate the complexities of CF in a clear, non-sentimental manner is truly commendable. She adeptly explains the medical and emotional facets of the condition without sugar-coating the harsh realities, which I greatly appreciate. This approach makes her story not just informative but refreshingly honest.
Her candidness extends to the dilemmas faced when disclosing the nature of CF to others. She doesn't shy away from describing the disease's often unpleasant and serious aspects, and the challenges in deciding how much to share with those around us. This is a real and constant struggle for many of us, and her insights on this topic are both validating and enlightening.
Abigail's bravery in addressing the topic of death, dedicating an entire chapter to it, is both poignant and necessary. Her reflections on mortality are handled with grace and honesty, offering a comforting sense of solidarity for those of us who live under its shadow.
In One Tiny Fault, Abigail Halstead has not just told her story; she has given voice to the shared experiences of many living with CF. Her book is a testament to resilience, understanding, and the unvarnished truth of life with a life-limiting condition. For anyone seeking an authentic portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis, this biography is an essential read.
Quick read that taught me a lot! Very heartwarming and endearing family dealing with CF. Well-written with a few typos but not too many that I couldn’t overlook them. Very interesting book.