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Fits and Starts: A Memoir of Living with Epilepsy
'I understand this doesn't look good. Please trust me when I say it isn't as bad as it first appears. I'm not being ironical, facetious or glib. Physical pain is inevitable when you have a tendency to throw yourself around, suffering is optional.'
In 1992 Franziska Thomas had her first seizure and her whole world was turned upside down- literally. In Fits and Starts Franziska gives a compelling personal description of living with Epilepsy, an illness shrouded in secrecy and antiquated myths. Laden with self -deprecating humour she describes her own coming of age- as an epileptic, a teacher, and ultimately, a mother. She is alternately stubborn and mischievous, down trodden and determined. Despite the constant set backs Franziska remains ever hopeful and instinctively refuses to conform to the role the outside world has chosen for her.
This searingly honest and thought provoking memoir is the story of the author's fits, injuries and memory loss, set inside the wider story of Epilepsy and society. Focussing on her own experience of repeatedly falling down, getting up, then falling down again.
About the author: Franziska has previously worked as a journalist and History teacher. She is currently designing a History scheme of work for schools in Sierra Leone. She lives in London with her husband Tim, and children Oskar and Kurt.
In 1992 Franziska Thomas had her first seizure and her whole world was turned upside down- literally. In Fits and Starts Franziska gives a compelling personal description of living with Epilepsy, an illness shrouded in secrecy and antiquated myths. Laden with self -deprecating humour she describes her own coming of age- as an epileptic, a teacher, and ultimately, a mother. She is alternately stubborn and mischievous, down trodden and determined. Despite the constant set backs Franziska remains ever hopeful and instinctively refuses to conform to the role the outside world has chosen for her.
This searingly honest and thought provoking memoir is the story of the author's fits, injuries and memory loss, set inside the wider story of Epilepsy and society. Focussing on her own experience of repeatedly falling down, getting up, then falling down again.
About the author: Franziska has previously worked as a journalist and History teacher. She is currently designing a History scheme of work for schools in Sierra Leone. She lives in London with her husband Tim, and children Oskar and Kurt.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 1, 2021
It's rare to come across a book as open and honest as "Fits & Starts". I can't fathom the courage it must take to put your life "out there" to be pulled apart by the general public, but Franziska Thomas has done it and I'm very grateful. My knowledge of epilepsy before reading this book was incredibly basic. I had no idea how basic until I started reading. This book should be required reading for everyone.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
April 7, 2022
This book is so helpful. As a nurse and with people in my family with epilepsy, I have learnt so much from Franziska’s writing. I am so sorry to learn of some of the prejudice, thoughtlessness and misunderstanding that still exists.
I have tried to source hard copies to gift to some people. It only appears to be available for kindle or as an audiobook.
I think it should be on the reading list for health and social services workers.
I have tried to source hard copies to gift to some people. It only appears to be available for kindle or as an audiobook.
I think it should be on the reading list for health and social services workers.
August 17, 2022
Personally this was more of a 3-star but I think that was because I’m in the medical field. The author has a nice mix of personal anecdotes and perspectives; and education on the pathophysiology, treatment etc of epilepsy. Audiobook was an interesting unique experience involving stereo and more of a theatrical approach for some sections.
November 17, 2023
Audiobook
Very difficult to review a book when someone writing about their own personal experience.
What I will say some really interesting thought provoking facts about how it feels to have seizures and medications.
However I would of preferred more flow - start from the beginning and write chronological.
Very difficult to review a book when someone writing about their own personal experience.
What I will say some really interesting thought provoking facts about how it feels to have seizures and medications.
However I would of preferred more flow - start from the beginning and write chronological.
December 29, 2023
Franziska is raw and beautifully honest in her description of living with epilepsy her book helped me understand friends who have seizures thank you
January 10, 2024
I learned so much about what it's like to live with epilepsy and how you can still find joy in your life in spite of the inconveniences and fears.
April 18, 2022
We are all familiar with the word "epilepsy". There are still many myths surrounding this neurological disease, but for those who have never experienced it, it can be difficult to imagine what a crisis feels like and its physical and emotional consequences.
I came across Franziska Thomas' book by accident while browsing the list of audiobooks nominated for the coveted “Audie” award. I must say it has become one of my favorite “memoir” audiobooks. “Fits and Starts: A Memoir of Living with Epilepsy” is not only a narrative experience, but also a sensorial experience, as there are sections in which the narration seeks to reproduce what it feels like to have a crisis - we come to perceive the confusion in which the narrator finds herself, her fears and her experience.
Franziska goes beyond explaining epilepsy and tells us about its impact on her as a person and a woman. It impressed me, for example, to hear about the fear she experiences when someone seems to question her aptitude as both a mother and woman with epilepsy, as well as the uninformed presumption of drunkenness when, in fact, she happens to simply have had a crisis.
She addresses the importance of empathy, especially for those living with a chronic illness. A particular phrase made an impression on me: Living with a chronic condition makes you vulnerable but it also opens your eyes to the suffer of others. And that's what this book is: an explanation of suffering, disability, and fear, but also the importance of community, family and support when dealing with a chronic illness
I came across Franziska Thomas' book by accident while browsing the list of audiobooks nominated for the coveted “Audie” award. I must say it has become one of my favorite “memoir” audiobooks. “Fits and Starts: A Memoir of Living with Epilepsy” is not only a narrative experience, but also a sensorial experience, as there are sections in which the narration seeks to reproduce what it feels like to have a crisis - we come to perceive the confusion in which the narrator finds herself, her fears and her experience.
Franziska goes beyond explaining epilepsy and tells us about its impact on her as a person and a woman. It impressed me, for example, to hear about the fear she experiences when someone seems to question her aptitude as both a mother and woman with epilepsy, as well as the uninformed presumption of drunkenness when, in fact, she happens to simply have had a crisis.
She addresses the importance of empathy, especially for those living with a chronic illness. A particular phrase made an impression on me: Living with a chronic condition makes you vulnerable but it also opens your eyes to the suffer of others. And that's what this book is: an explanation of suffering, disability, and fear, but also the importance of community, family and support when dealing with a chronic illness
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews