A review by bookwormmichelle
Beyond the Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Extraordinary Friendship with Helen Keller by Kim E. Nielsen
4.0
This biography is a much-needed examination of the complex Annie Sullivan Macy, whom Nielson asserts, correctly, deserves more from us than the usual caricature of the Super Educator who miraculously taught Helen Keller language. In many of the books I've read on Keller, the figure of Sullivan is one-dimensional, her life a mere derivative of Keller's. I really enjoyed this examination of a complex, imperfect woman who lived an extraordinary life. I especially appreciated some of the material on her marriage--I'd seen so very little about this.
Caveats--there is a lot of speculation here, as the often-scanty record necessitates, especially about Sullivan's early life. I think Nielson does a pretty good job, however, handling the questions arising from the lack of material.
Caveats--there is a lot of speculation here, as the often-scanty record necessitates, especially about Sullivan's early life. I think Nielson does a pretty good job, however, handling the questions arising from the lack of material.