Although today forgotten by history, Laura Bridgman was once one of the most famous women in the world. This novel based on her life tells the story of a woman who lost four of her five senses (everything except touch) at the age of two and yet went on to learn to communicate through sign language decades before Helen Keller was born. Although some readers may balk at the invented love affair Elkins writes for her protagonist, the story of this remarkable woman makes a fascinating, intelligent, and haunting read. You can see the Monitor's full review of "What Is Visible" here.
