A novel set in 1904 is restricted by the limitations of the language of the time. For this reason, it’s important for me to address the specifics of representation since I could not explicitly define things in the text.
Waardenburg Syndrome
While researching how my own hearing loss would be perceived by those in the early 20th century, I came across an 1800s-era medical journal description of a child with heterochromia, a white forelock, and deafness in one ear. I knew what was being described was what we now know as Waardenburg Syndrome—though the syndrome wasn’t named and formalized until 1951. Since society places so much emphasis on the appearance and receptive qualities of women and girls, I became curious about how a hard-of-hearing girl—who looks very different from everyone else in her homogenous Scandinavian village—would navigate this part of her identity. I purposely chose to stay away from unchallenged ableist language (though it would have been used during this time period) to describe Asta’s features. Additionally, I drew upon my own experience with hearing loss in writing Asta’s hard-of-hearing experience.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Though the term Post-Concussion Syndrome existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was limited to a few mentions in less than seven medical journals. Because of this, I felt it would be unrealistic for a rural Scandinavian doctor to be familiar with the phrase. In The Reckless Kind, references to concussion of the brain and head injury are made even though the symptoms Fred experiences are indicative of the longer-term effects of Post-Concussion Syndrome. Fred’s confusion, difficulty speaking, tiredness, and trouble with manual dexterity were inspired by my personal experience with PCS.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome
The combination of symptoms Gunnar experiences following his injury is known as Brown-Séquard syndrome, and while that term can be found in French medical journals as early as 1891, I did not believe Herr Doktor Engen would be familiar with this specific diagnosis. Brown-Séquard describes damage to one part of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis on the same side as the lesion and loss of sensation on the other side. I drew upon my own experience with lumbar spine trauma, as well as conversations with those who have injuries similar to Gunnar’s. Additionally, I spent time on Brown-Séquard social media groups to understand the specifics of Gunnar’s condition.
I hoped to be conscious of the many harmful tropes surrounding acquired disabilities, spine injuries, and paralysis that are often found in media and literature. For this reason, I worked to ensure Gunnar is never magically cured. Like many with this injury, he permanently lives with chronic pain. It was also important for me that Gunnar express the full range of emotions regarding his injury and navigate his sexuality and sexual experiences with autonomy.
The Limitations of Language
The challenge in writing about a historical setting is not having the benefit of modern terminology, labels, and diagnoses. This limitation, however, is thematically appropriate. Asta, a young woman finding her identity in a society that centers the hetero-patriarchy, has no language to define key parts of her identity—her Waardenburg Syndrome, her asexuality, and her desire for a queerplatonic relationship. Likewise, those of us who aren’t cis men are burdened with finding ways to define ourselves using language that’s constructed to diminish our existence or erase it completely. Perhaps we can all look at the language constraints present in our own time and culture and recognize ways this restriction keeps us from knowing ourselves authentically.