A Pony in the Bedroom

by Susan Dunne

Susan Dunne's life changed forever when a chance question from a doctor led her back to horses, an unfulfilled childhood passion. Detached and isolated due to undiagnosed autism, Susan had already survived rape, battled eating disorders and self-harm, and spent time homeless, when her world was turned upside again by a vicious, life-threatening assault. Severe post-traumatic stress disorder left her feeling distrustful and more cut off than ever before from a world she saw as confusing and dangerous. But as Susan's connection with horses grew stronger, her world started to open up. Poignant and witty by turns, Susan shares her story of survival and transformation, offering a rare insight into her relationship with horses, and how they helped her to find a safe place in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2015

Reviews

[Alison.A.Bellbtinternet.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliant what absolute gem. Read in a day. Gave great insight to aspergers and being different. Was just a surprise buy from charity shop feels my heart with so much joy.

[Sue Vickerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enthralling. I literally could not put it down; one of those very rare books that stops me from doing anything else. A surprising aspect is that it describes an internal life with which I believe most of us - we who do not have an Aspergers diagnosis - can nonetheless acutely identify. I think it describes a life-experience in extremis which all human beings touch on, but most have the blessed capacity to draw back from. This is a story of full-time alienation and a full-time endeavour to find survival mechanisms. Quite apart from the importance of telling this story for its consciousness-raising value, Susan Dunne happens to be an outstanding writer; I am very curious to read anything of hers that is fictional. It could not be anything other than intensely insightful.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the world of a woman with Autism and how traumatic incidents helped shape her life into a dark place which was lightened and brightened by horses.