Andy Merriman
London: Pan Macmillan, 1999; £6.99 (paperback)
ISBN 033036748X

Sarah Merriman is six years old, conventionally naughty and enchanting by turns, and a radio star. But, unconventionally, she has Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome is standard fodder for most medical genetics courses, but the trials and rewards connected with parenting a Down's child are beyond their scope.

Andy Merriman lays bare how his elation at the birth of his daughter was quashed by the diagnosis of Down's syndrome. He is honest about his emotional detachment from his newborn child and his despair at the label it placed on their family. The isolation they initially felt draws the sympathy of the neutral observer and the empathy of those turning to the book for guidance with their own Down's child. Herein lies the book's strength. The author's candour is invaluable to couples in a similar situation, as well as their wider family and friends, who may be looking for assurances that their feelings are normal, that it will get easier.

Merriman gives a fair but critical appraisal of the social history of the syndrome and how people with Down's are seen by today's society. The ignorance of the public and the lack of compassion shown by close friends are shocking to readers; the culture of shunning illness seems far from overcome. The medical profession also takes to the dock and does tolerably well, although there is a call for greater training and awareness among the whole team.

This is a personal recollection of having a child with Down's and cannot give the full picture. Sarah is bright (she has starred in her own radio show), but she represents only one end of the spectrum of Down's. Readers must be aware that the success which has greeted her inauspicious beginnings is not truly representative of all Down's children. Nevertheless, this loving and humorous account is worthy of praise for the ebullience it inspires in the reader for their triumph.