MADELEINE'S WORLD

None of us remember our babyhood, but in Madeleine's World author Brian Hall ( The Saskiad ) gives us a glimpse into what it might've felt like. Madeleine's World is an odd, charming biography of a particular child, from birth to age 3. Hall, Madeleine's father, begins at day one of Madeleine's life, observing Madeleine and speculating on her perceptions and experience of infancy. As she grows, Hall gives us a look at her developmental first laugh, first words, first step, first tantrum--from the inside out. As Madeleine grows, we gain insights into the development of language and consciousness, attachments and separation, curiosity and fear. Hall's experience in writing fiction is Madeleine's World has the urgency of a novel. When Madeleine is 3 years old, the book draws to a close, and readers are left with a sense of utter respect for the child--every child--and for all human beings.