SMILE The Story of a Face

Playwright Sarah Ruhl narrates her beautiful memoir with a sense of never-ending curiosity and wonder. Just after giving birth to twins, she develops Bell's palsy, which paralyzes half her face. As she gets used to her new visage, she embarks on a journey of discovery, exploring topics such as the history of medicine and the ways that women are socialized to smile. In a series of thoughtful meditations, she examines motherhood, marriage, the creative process, loss, transformation, womanhood, and so much more. Her narration, like her prose, is flowing and lovely. She's deeply interested in the world--not just in her small world, but also the larger human world--and it comes through as she narrates, her voice inviting readers to share her experiences with irresistible warmth. L.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2022]