This book had me unwittingly hooked from the beginning, written from the perspective of Janet, the carer of Sean who has cerebral palsy. Janet and Sean are both art students, and this book is certainly true to its title - it explores the art of the body in all aspects - the text is littered with references to art of all kinds, and reading it felt like interacting with a work of art. It is unlike anything I’ve read before, possibly my only complaint is that I wish book had been a bit longer. The characters were really well developed and it would have been nice to see them played out over a longer narrative. There were also some plot points that I felt weren’t really addressed (that might just be me, though) and I felt like a longer story might have given the chance for everything to be explained/developed further. Nevertheless, an unforgettable book.

Great read. Throughly enjoyed it. Writing style was well balanced and plot is good.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for for my honest unbiased review

I found this so moving, having lots of experience of the care industry and the impact of caring for a loved one on family members. It's a book unlike any other I have read and I enjoyed getting into the head of an art student, who couldn't be further from me personally! Wonderful characterisation; definitely.a difficult and challenging read for me emotionally but I appreciated what it made me consider.

This book is a breath of fresh air. The writing is very distinct, raw and a little uncomfortable at times, the characterisation superb. Within the writing, Allison has captured Sean's character perfectly; the person masked beneath the disabilities. Most novels focus more on societal views of people with severe/profound disabilities and not the 'insider's' point of view as this book does. I urge you to read this emotive and powerful book.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

Dignity as a theme often makes for a strong protagonist and an engaging novel, "The art of the body:" does not stray from the norm; well-written and intense, Allison's book deals with difficult topics in a sincere and heartfelt manner.