This
book is called, ‘MISS
SPITFIRE’, written by Sarah
Miller. It has been named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. When I first
picked out this book, I didn’t realise that
it was written in the perspective of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller’s fiery
teacher. Many people don't think about Annie
Sullivan when they mention Helen Keller. Helen was a child prodigy, but so,
indeed, was Annie.
When
Annie nervously departs to Ivy Green, Helen’s house, her story unravels
very quickly. Meeting Helen proves to be a disastrous event, as Helen seems to
have as much of a temper as Annie did. The two vicious ladies struggle
to work together, despite Annie’s desperate and occasionally harsh attempts. It
is only when Miss Spitfire (Annie) persuades Helen’s reluctant and pitiful
parents to let the two be alone in another house does discipline begin to form.
Annie makes Helen independant and obedient, and somehow forms an unbreakable
love for the fiery Helen. I was impressed by
Annie Sullivan’s desperate attempt to better Helen Keller’s plight.
I
could relate to Annie Sullivan and her temper, as I used to have one as
ferocious. Helen's anger was borne simply out of frustration and the inability
to express her feelings. I could also relate to Annie’s struggle to teach Helen. It opened a huge door in my
mind, about empathy and understanding not only the outcome- but the struggle
Annie and Helen went through to become what they were. Helen may have had an intriguing story, but Annie Sullivan
shared that story, if not partially owning it.
My favourite moment in the book is the way it concludes with the famous ‘water pump’ incident
where Helen’s big breakthrough happens and her life transforms. Annie tries to
teach her words at the water pump, when something clicks within Helen and
instead of her usual indolent and fiery disposition, she becomes eager to learn
words, name objects and can’t let go of her teacher’s hand! From then on
Helen’s ability to communicate effectively & her willingness to learn
unleashes her.
Sarah
Miller’s delicate style of writing, just flowing on and on in great depth and
emotion about the story really touched me. I think it’s remarkable to have
captured and jammed together all of Annie’s feelings- from anxiety, to
uncontrollable wrath and then affection. This story took place quite sometime
ago, and even though Sarah Miller is writing in today's date, I still can sense
that it took place in an older time period. There were also flashbacks to
Annie’s childhood days, weaved into the story so gracefully that I often didn’t
realise the flashbacks.
I
love that this book is called, 'Reaching Helen Keller' and not, 'Teaching Helen
Keller'. It was what intrigued me when I first noticed this book. But its apt
because the book is about Annie’s journey of how she got across to stubborn
Helen and actually unlocked her to finally express herself freely.
Overall,
I would call this an excellent, worthy and fabulous read and really recommend
this book to young adult readers and middle schoolers. A must read before you
finish secondary school in any case. I devoured this book with pleasure,
reading until my eyes stung. If
you are deciding what to read next, this is a definite go-to book.
