"The Story of Beautiful Girl" is a novel written by Rachel Simon, published in 2011. The story is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of several characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways.
The main characters are Lynnie, a developmentally disabled young woman, and Homan, an African American deaf man, who live in an institution for people with disabilities. They fall in love and secretly run away together from the institution, finding refuge in a farmhouse owned by Martha, an elderly widow with a complicated past.
The story explores themes of love, family, social justice, and the challenges faced by people with disabilities and those who care for them. It also delves into issues of race, prejudice, and the civil rights movement, as Homan and Lynnie's disappearance triggers a search that draws in the law enforcement and activists of the time.
"The Story of Beautiful Girl" is a poignant and beautifully written novel that examines the complexities of human relationships and the struggles faced by marginalized individuals in society. It has been praised for its compassionate and sensitive portrayal of the characters and their experiences.
1