Raymond Antrobus, the acclaimed British poet, has revealed the profound emotional journey behind his latest memoir, delving into his experiences of growing up deaf in a predominantly hearing world. The award-winning writer speaks candidly about the 'survivor's guilt' he carries, stemming from his unique position bridging two cultures.
The Weight of Silence
Antrobus describes how his childhood diagnosis of deafness shaped his identity, forcing him to navigate between the hearing and deaf communities. 'I often felt like an outsider in both worlds,' he admits, reflecting on the isolation that accompanied his condition.
A Poetic Voice for the Unheard
The memoir explores how Antrobus transformed his personal struggles into powerful poetry that gives voice to the deaf experience. His work has been celebrated for bridging gaps in understanding and challenging societal perceptions of disability.
The Complex Legacy of Survival
Antrobus reveals the unexpected emotional burden that came with his success. 'There's a guilt that comes with being one of the few deaf people who 'made it',' he explains, discussing how his achievements contrast with the systemic barriers still faced by many in the deaf community.
Breaking Sound Barriers
The memoir details Antrobus's journey to becoming the first poet to win the Rathbones Folio Prize, proving that deafness doesn't define creative limits. His story offers inspiration while acknowledging the ongoing challenges of accessibility in the arts.
This deeply personal account promises to reshape conversations about disability, identity, and artistic expression in contemporary Britain.
