“The Sign for Home” Is Sublime

by Fran Withrow 05.2022

Arlo is a DeafBlind Jehovah’s Witness who lives with a strict and controlling uncle, Brother Birch. Arlo is isolated and lonely, and has blocked out his past, as it is one of heartache, mystery, and loss.

Before coming to live with his uncle, Arlo was at The Rose Garden, a boarding school for the Deaf and DeafBlind. At school, Arlo made two close friends and was deeply in love with a girl. One chaotic night, however, alters everything, and ends with Arlo being wrenched from school and sent to live with his uncle. Arlo was told the girl he loved died, but Arlo has never forgotten her.

Things change when Arlo begins a college writing class, assisted by his long time interpreter, Molly, and his new interpreter, Cyril. During the class, Arlo is asked to write a personal essay, and doing so dredges up memories he has long tried to suppress. Cyril’s entrance into Arlo’s life and writing the personal essay are pivotal points that begin to change Arlo’s life. Cyril encourages him to look at the past. What really happened that fateful night at school? Are people lying to Arlo? What really happened to the girl he loved?

The story itself is brilliant, but the writing is what makes this book unique. Told in alternating voices, Cyril, a gay man who mourns his own lost love, and Arlo make realistically flawed yet sympathetic and endearing storytellers. Arlo expresses himself using the syntax and grammar of American Sign Language, and that style of communication is beautifully translated on the pages of this book by its talented author.

Interpreters are hired only to communicate their consumer’s words to hearing people, and vice versa. But in this story, Cyril finds himself becoming more than an interpreter as he watches Arlo struggle under Birch’s heavy hand.  As Cyril stretches the limits of his job description, the story picks up the pace. Arlo finally discovers the truth about that night at The Rose Garden and decides to act on what he learns.

This book is not only a rousing good tale, but gives the reader better insight into the potential isolation of the DeafBlind community. (The scene where Arlo is caught in the rain, with only Snap, his guide dog, and no way to get help, is especially compelling.) 

Fortunately, technology is ever-evolving to allow DeafBlind and hearing people to connect. This story introduced me to some of the latest tools available, as well as other ways of expanding horizons for the DeafBlind, including the fascinating Protactile touch.

You may remember that I am a fan of stories that don’t end up tied in a neat little bow. This is one of those books. Not everything is resolved by the last page, but there is love, contrition, forgiveness, and courage enough to fill your heart.

“The Sign for Home” is a winner. Watching Arlo find his voice, stand up for what he believes, and step forward with conviction and strength is just “sublime.” 

You’ll have to read the book to see why “sublime” is the perfect word. Trust me. It is.