The Country of the Blind

A Memoir at the End of Sight

By: Andrew Leland

Narrated by: Andrew Leland

FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER PRIZE

Named one of the best books of the year by: THE NEW YORKER • THE WASHINGTON POST • THE ATLANTIC • NPR • PUBLISHERS WEEKLY • LITHUB

"Fascinating...The great strength of this memoir is its voracious, humble curiosity." - The Atlantic, The 10 Best Books of the Year

A witty, winning, and revelatory personal narrative of the author’s transition from sightedness to blindness and his quest to learn about blindness as a rich culture all its own.

We meet Andrew Leland as he’s suspended in the liminal state of the soon-to-be blind: he’s midway through his life with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that ushers those who live with it from sightedness to blindness over years, even decades. He grew up with full vision, but starting in his teenage years, his sight began to degrade from the outside in. Soon— but without knowing exactly when—he will likely have no vision left.

Full of apprehension but also dogged curiosity, Leland embarks on a sweeping exploration of the state of being that awaits him: not only the physical experience of blindness but also its language, politics, and customs. He negotiates his changing relationships with his wife and son, and with his own sense of self, as he moves from his mainstream, “typical” life to one with a disability. Part memoir, part historical and cultural investigation, The Country of the Blind represents Leland’s determination not to merely survive this transition but to grow from it—to seek out and revel in that which makes blindness enlightening. Brimming with warmth and humor, it is an exhilarating tour of a new way of being.

Informative and moving

Mr. Leland’s story is moving, but what I most appreciated was the accessible and engaging exploration of blindness history as well as his clear explanation of current technologies. Married to a blind person for over 20 years, I am surrounded by discussions of blindness-related issues and I was delighted to learn much new information.

Amazing memoir.

Beautifully and thoughtfully written. Taking a walk at somebody else's shoes for an excellent read.

How the author adjusted to changes in his eyesight.

I liked the author’s outlook which was positive.
I liked that he had a lot of family support which was important. No dislikes that I can think of.

final chapter was the most helpful

A bit too much history not enough coping. with reality. it would help to share more about how he adapted.

Fantastic journey

This was a great journey into the world of blindness, and Andrew observes and takles many thoughts and topics that I had myself in my own vision loss journey. Very well written and well read, and it was great getting to hear about his encounters with a few of my close friends in the community. A great read for anyone interested in the history of the Blind Movement, is seeking camaraderie while exploring blindness themselves, or want a new perspective on disability if it's not something they've contemplated before.