This is a great account of the authors journey towards an autism diagnosis. It is well written and very informative

A very powerful and gripping story that is difficult to read in some parts but worth sticking with. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Drifts by Natasha Burge brings us on a journey through life in Saudi Arabia in a way I've never read about so intimately before. Though forced to depart it many times, she never fails to return, as the connection is far too deep. The tales of life in the Gulf and abroad mix with her life experiences without the autism diagnosis that she received in her late 30s.

Burge gets at the core of her mind and heart to explain the struggle and joys of it all, detailing what it is like and showcasing it in her meticulous, poetic and, at times, singular writing. We meet many people throughout this journey in the Gulf, but we don't travel too far from Burge's recollections, which makes for a profound read.

Understanding autism on a deeper level is one of the main themes, but it's still tightly connected to others of belonging, culture and home. Though I don't know if it was a choice made with intention, it resonated with me. I'm not a third-culture child, but I have experienced my fair share of doubts and dreams about where home truly is and where I ultimately belong. Being in this drifting world around and inside me should perhaps bring me comfort. No more going with the flow, but with the drift.

Despite losing me a bit towards the end, as I felt the pacing had changed a little, the analogies and detailed (but never tedious) explanations about feelings, concepts, and the streets descriptions making up her memories were very comforting and a strength of the book.

Burge's writing style incorporates precision with lyricism while guiding us through her life’s flashbacks and Saudi Arabia's historical moments.