Narrative Non-fiction · Hardback

Unrestrained

Norwegian title: Hemningsløs

What is the value of a life, what price are we willing to pay to include everyone, what makes life worth living, and do people with disabilities receiving benefits have a an obligation of paying back?According to the doctors’ judgement, Torstein Lerhol suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, would not pass two years of age. He is now 32 years old, weighing 20 kg and his breathing capacity is 11%. He spends his life lying in a wheelchair, he can move only one finger, and he’s dependent on assistance 24/7. However, this does not prevent him from working as a politician, being a business leader and lecturer, nor from traveling around the world. The book describes how he manages it all, and acts as a breaking rod to different dilemmas related to otherness.‘Unrestrained is not only well written but also impressing in it´s narrative. Ola Henmo has written an exceptionally wise book about Torstein Lerhols indomitable will to live and the good helpers he is surrounded with. Highly recommended!’ DAGBLADET 6/6‘An impressive portrait of a very special man. This is a book that is both interesting and smart.’ AFTENPOSTEN