singinghands

Singing Hands

Delia Ray

Ray, Delia. Singing Hands. Clarion Books. New York City, New York. 2006.

Singing Hands is an amazing tale written by Delia Ray. Despite its

slightly creepy name, it will tug at your heartstrings and have you

crying, laughing, and smiling all throughout the book.

The story starts off with Elizabeth, the main character, describing

herself and her surroundings. She gives the readers insight as to what

her life is like and how she goes about her daily routine.

Elizabeth is born deaf in the small suburban community of Painswick on

November 1, 1980. Despite this obstacle, the gods smile upon her,

presenting her with the gift of singing with her hands. Her mother

believes this miracle to be abnormal and hideous. Terrified, she gives

her daughter away to the Painswick orphanage, not realizing her cruel

mistake.

Elizabeth grows not knowing or understanding the power she has

received, teased by everyone, and abused by the orphanage matrons

because she is different. Soon after her arrival, a traveling circus

comes into town. The orphanage sees it as a chance to “dispose of

unneeded, and unwanted children.” The matrons give Elizabeth to the

circus, delighted to get rid of what in their eyes is a grotesque

creature. Elizabeth, though at first terrified of the circus and their

“freaks,” eventually learns to love them and all of their

peculiarities.

During her time at the circus she is busy doing work, ranging from

manual labor such as cleaning up after the elephants, to helping theSinging Hands

Delia Ray

actors get into their costumes. Months after her introduction to this

new life, she is promoted to being an entertainer. Of course, she

sings with her hands to please and amuse the audience. Things were

looking up for her. Though she is paid next to nothing, she has enough

to eat, and a comfortable room to live in. Every day she feels like

she is getting closer to true happiness.

Years later, the circus disbands. She becomes a wanderer and by chance

finds other people like her, singing in a church. She’s shocked to see

that others have the same gift as her, and joins the group in

happiness. People from the farthest reaches of the Earth travel just

to hear their chorus. The group acquires a name, The Singing Hands.

This is what Elizabeth has always yearned for, to fit in.

Singing Hands has a terrific end, which will leave you dumbfounded. It

feels as if the whole story was leading up to this conclusion. Like

the very last bite of a sandwich, where you get the best bit and its

taste lingers in your mouth for a while.

Singing Hands is Delia Ray’s most well-written book out of many, it

illustrates many light, colorful scenes, as well as darker,Singing Hands

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bittersweet ones. This fictional book will bring you into the story,

making you feel as if you are a part of the magic. Delia shows you

trial and error, failure and triumph, through the eyes of Elizabeth

the courageous heroine. Though this book is more suited for older

audiences, it will leave the majority of readers teary-eyed and

wanting more.

5 out of 5 stars.

Contributed by J. Rodriguez

October 26, 2011