Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Johanna Hedva’s How to Tell When We Will Die: On Pain, Disability, and Doom is a masterful collection of essays that delve into the intricacies of living with disability, unraveling the norms that perpetuate ableism and insisting on institutional abolition. Hedva’s work is a stark, introspective journey that challenges readers to confront the often hidden realities of pain, disability, and systemic oppression. Through their incisive and philosophical prose, Hedva invites us to reimagine our understanding of disability, advocating for a more accessible and empathetic world.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hedva’s essays is their deconstruction of the shame and denial surrounding disability. In our society, strength and independence are often upheld as virtues, leaving those who cannot conform to these ideals feeling isolated and marginalized. Hedva brings this shame into the light, emphasizing that disability is a universal human experience. By doing so, they dismantle the harmful notion that needing help is temporary or flawed. This theme is poignantly explored in their essay “Blast Radius of Disability,” where Hedva’s personal experiences with disability become a powerful critique of ableism and capitalism.

Another standout essay is “Get Well Soon,” in which Hedva reimagines the revolutionary potential of disability. They challenge the conventional power dynamics between doctors and patients, advocating for a more collaborative and creative relationship. Hedva’s integration of astrology, witchcraft, and kink into their political analyses adds a unique and expansive dimension to their work, insisting on more diverse conceptions of what is possible for disabled bodies. Their insistence on self-determination for mentally ill individuals is both radical and liberating, pushing against the rigid confines of psychiatric labels.

The essays are not only deeply analytical but also profoundly personal. Hedva’s writing is dense and layered, and their prose is characterized by a stark and provocative tone. Their reflections on their own body and pain, described with a raw and almost visceral honesty, invite readers to engage with the material on an emotional level. Many of Hedva’s insights land like punches to the gut, revealing the everyday realities of living with a body that defies social norms and expectations.

Ultimately, Hedva’s essays are a call to action, urging us to acknowledge and dismantle ableism in all its forms. Their work is a testament to the power of personal narrative intertwined with political analysis, creating a space for reflection, empathy, and ultimately, change. How to Tell When We Will Die is a vital contribution to disability justice literature, challenging readers to rethink their assumptions and join in the fight for an accessible and liberated world.

📖 Recommended For: Readers interested in disability justice and abolition, those who appreciate philosophical and incisive prose, anyone exploring themes of pain, disability, and systemic oppression, fans of Health Communism and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha.

🔑 Key Themes: Deconstruction of Ableism, Shame and Disability, Revolutionary Potential of Disability, Personal Narrative and Political Analysis, Self-Determination and Abolition.