Different, Not Damaged

FANTASY:  Andy Peloquin explores the experiences of people with psychological, mental and emotional disorders through the lens of dark fantasy — how they live, and how they are impacted by their disabilities. While the locations and the fantastical elements are fictional, the clinical presentations, feelings and limitations are authentic, anchoring this work and giving the reader something to reflect on.  The goal is to show that people with disabilities are “different, not damaged.”

“Strength and Courage” highlights the enormous burden of living with post-traumatic stress disorder through experiences of Dahvynd, a former soldier.  “Paint a Black Picture” features a young man with a disabling condition affecting his communication, with extreme sensitivity to physical stimuli. Errin paints pictures in black only he can see, a psychic gift revealing a future tragedy he must prevent, despite his limitations.  In “The Goddess’ Gift”, Indria is a woman with a gift of assuming others' pain, resulting in unbearable agony —  a heart wrenching look at fibromyalgia.  “At Any Cost” is an innovative story about the ravages of memory loss seen with Alzheimer’s, as Naylor pays a priest to perform a procedure on his mind to forget traumatic memories.   Along with “A Life for a Life” and “The Path of Vengeance”, action-packed but emotionally poignant bonus stories that reveal more about the author’s created universe, “Different Not Damaged” illustrates an important function of fiction, shedding light on the diverse experiences of others.  These are well-written, emotionally impactful stories, although most have abrupt endings. Mr. Peloquin’s voice is unique and thoughtful, sure to attract new readers to his other writings.

Danielle Hill