Gurinder Abrol was a beautiful, healthy baby girl for only a few, short months. As an infant, she suffered from a severe allergic reaction and was consequently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. As an Asian woman living with a disability, she constantly contends with subliminal prejudice from her community. Yet her “Thorny Life,” which this author names her memoir, has not all been struggle and strife. Gurinder’s story is proof that, as she states it, “Disability does not preclude a life well lived.”

At the tender age of fifteen months, Gurinder Abrol receives a bug bite on the site of a recent smallpox vaccine. Her ensuing allergic reaction is so severe, she develops cerebral palsy. Before she is two years of age, this little girl is struck a devastating blow. Yet, thorns may grow alongside flowers and blooming is exactly what this author has done with her thorny life. Gurinder writes about her father’s internal conflict being an immigrant in a foreign country and how his relationship with her suffers. Rather than holding onto her grief, Gurinder’s generous spirit forgives and attempts to understand her father. When Gurinder’s husband abandons her and their young son, Gurinder goes to college and begins a new career and new life. To begin a new career in middle age takes bravery under the most stable circumstances. To begin a new career after your life has been pulled out from under your feet takes, in the words of Gurinder, “indomitable spirit.”

Then, as life sometimes does, just as Gurinder carves a space for herself as a single mom and career woman, tragedy strikes her again. She is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just after her fiftieth birthday. Genuine frustration ensues as Gurinder seeks treatment within a medical system which attempts and fails to treat her disease many times and succeeds far too infrequently. For anyone suffering from chronic illness, Gurinder’s story is a familiar one. Life is sometimes unkind to the kindest people among us.

Thorny Life (2nd Edition) is a story of immense courage and perseverance, and an inspiration to anyone who has been struck down by an unfair world.  Because of her disability she has achieved a great deal in her life.  The author’s novel is a quick and easy read. Her story is outstanding in its success because of its tragedy. Gurinder reminds us that positive change requires only perseverance and time. Readers in search of a shot of courage will find it within the pages of Thorny Life.