A review by b_carlson
The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner: A Memoir by Grace Tame

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

As a story of an abuse survivor this was phenomenal. It showed how trauma weaves its way through the entirety of our lives experience, it doesn't just happen in one chunk and then we move on. This book showed that Tame exists beyond her trauma and abuse, she is a complex human being who has battled yes but also has amazing people around her which has enabled her to feel real joy as well. I feel this is an important narrative for abuse survivors as it isn't reductive to the worst parts of what's happened to them. 
Tame's voice rings out loud and strong. It is stirring and demands you listen. The book connects dots very well between neurodivergence and the vulnerability it brings and the absolute burden it can be before you know or understand it. 
The only critique I would have is at times it felt a bit like a list of all the people in Tame's life but then again those are the people that have helped make her who she is so in a way they are her story and all deserve a place. 
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