Book Review of Anna Goc’s “Głusza”

Anna Goc’s book “Głusza” is a poignant reportage that sensitively portrays the lives of Deaf individuals.

The author not only narrates the daily struggles and challenges faced by the protagonists but also reveals their inner world, emotions, and dreams.

For years, I have been working with people with disabilities, including Deaf individuals. For me, this was both an organizing and touching read, as well as inspiring. I have decided to start learning Polish Sign Language, something I’ve been planning for a long time. I began my journey with sign language on the website pomigam.pl and by following the wonderful channel of Marta Malinowska on YouTube. I aim to achieve A1/A2 level proficiency by the end of the year because it’s always valuable to broaden one’s horizons and language skills. As the proverb goes, the more languages we know, the more chances we have for better understanding of other people and cultures. That’s why I’m already learning basic phrases like “thank you” and “good morning.” This will allow me to express respect and understanding for Deaf individuals I encounter in both my professional and personal life.

Reading this book, it’s impossible to remain indifferent to the issues faced by Deaf individuals, which are often overlooked or ignored by society. Anna Goc presents various perspectives on the lives of Deaf individuals with great empathy and insight, ranging from the situations of parents with disabled children to CODAs and sign language interpreters. Imagine visiting the emergency room as a Deaf person.

The book “Głusza” is an excellent source of knowledge for those learning sign language or involved with Deaf individuals.

Through it, one can understand the world of silence in which the characters live, as well as gain a better understanding of the history and culture of Deaf individuals.

It’s worth noting that Anna Goc gives voice to the characters themselves in her book. They are the ones who talk about their lives, dreams, and problems. This makes “Głusza” not only a work of non-fiction but also a beautiful narrative about human destinies and the pursuit of acceptance and understanding. It touches upon the profound differences between Systemic Sign Language and Polish Sign Language, or refers to the interpreter’s mistake during a meeting with the politician Hołownia…

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge about the lives of Deaf individuals and understand their daily challenges and problems. “Głusza” is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world of silence and expand their empathy.