The Eighth Volume in the Deaf Lives Series
Deaf Lives in Contrast: Two Women’s Stories might seem to bring together polar opposites in the broad range of deaf experience. Yet, as these narratives unfold, the reader will recognize that common threads run through them despite their different circumstances.
Mary V. Rivers, who came from a “dirt poor” Cajun family in Louisiana, was only 17 when she married Bruce Rivers, a member of the U.S. Air Force during World War II. She bore three children in quick succession, all boys, and traveled with them to Europe with her husband. When her third son Clay was nearly two, however, she learned that he was deaf. From that time on, she devoted her life to securing a good education for Clay.
Dvora Shurman’s parents, deaf Jewish immigrants from Russia, met in Chicago after World War I. Both were educated orally, declaring “I am not born deaf. Signing only for born-deaf.” They did sign, but they also wanted hearing children, stemming from their own sense of devaluation. Shurman lived a dual life in the deaf and hearing worlds. She saw herself as her deaf parents’ ears, their voice to the hearing world, and as sharing with her mother the task of being mother.
The resonating theme that echoes with both of these women centers on their resentment of the treatment received by their deaf loved ones. Early in her life, Shurman adopted a slogan with her sister, “‘It's Not Fair,’ to rebel against the shaming, the demeaning, our family suffered.” After years of struggling for her son, Rivers asserts that “deaf people have a right to prove themselves as first class citizens.” Their uncommon stories reveal that they share more in common, a belief in equal rights for all, deaf and hearing.
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Book Description
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About the Author
Mary V. Rivers lives and writes in DeQuincy, LA.
Dvora Shurman is a writer and storyteller in Tel Aviv, Israel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Deaf Lives in Contrast by Mary V. Rivers and Devora Shurman,
This review is from: Deaf Lives in Contrast: Two Women's Stories (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 8) (Paperback)
I absolutley loved this story by Mary Rivers. It is such an inspirational story of strength and love and total commitment, coming in such an unlikely way.
Mrs.Rivers gleaned so much from all of her adversities growing up without a father. She didn't become a victim, her mother taught her to be an overcomer! She was able to instill that in her son. He has been given such a great gift through her. He could have chosen to become a victim himself, but because of his mother's perseverance and overcoming influence he was not only able to face life with deafness, but the added challenge of being a single parent was added to his list of achievements! The love and tenacity of this mother not only changed her son Clays life, but that of so many more. Through his daughter Katrina,lives are still being changed for those in the deaf world through her interpretation skills. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving, and what more could anyone desire than to leave a legacy like this? In a world so full of fully capable people so willing to become victims, this story inspires me to face life full force and accomplish all that I can in the time that I have been given. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiration,
This review is from: Deaf Lives in Contrast: Two Women's Stories (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 8) (Paperback)
Deaf Lives in Contrast is a moving story from two mothers that overcome adversity and share their personal stories. They both relay how deafness impacted their families. It's one of those heart-warming stories that once you begin the book, you simply can't stop reading. You want to see how each chapter is going to end. Both women obviously have much passion and drive to do what is best for their family. I was impressed to see how the author, Mary, strived everyday to ensure that her son Clay would be educated. The book really makes you realize which things are important in life.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A personal journey inside a deaf world,
This review is from: Deaf Lives in Contrast: Two Women's Stories (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 8) (Paperback)
WOW! This book hits the mark when it comes to facing the reality of having a deaf child and raising and educating him/her to be a contributing member of society. Having been raised with a deaf brother in a family of five siblings, I know first hand the many obstacles parents and family members may face from a society who is unfamiliar with deafness. The writer describes her experience in such great detail that the reader feels the many emotions the writer expresses as she overcomes one obstacle after another while raising her son, Clay. As a reader, I found myself cheering with her as she reached one goal after another. Kudos to her for her faith and determination in raising her deaf son to be such a successful person. This story provides realistic insight to the deaf world not only for parents and families of deaf children but also for those who are unfamiliar with deafness.
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