‘A wonderful book for anyone looking for a better understanding of the needs of parents of children with Down’s syndrome. Highly effective…teaching tool for midwives and clinicians.’ – Louise Bryant, Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
‘It portrays a complicated issue with compassion, deftly joining pictures and dialogue to give intense awareness of the lives portrayed. This harrowing and uplifting graphic memoir speaks to the families that include people with Down Syndrome, each page lovingly saturated with humanity.’ – Publishers Weekly
‘Profoundly beautiful and demanding graphic memoir.’ – Peter Florence, Hay Festival, #10greatbooksof2016
‘Brutally honest, and ultimately uplifting... Hole in the Heart is a deeply affecting graphic novel... No matter the audience, the book’s message is universal.’ – Foreword
‘This graphic book – illustrated in beautiful, raw and moving pictures – describes the family’s deeply personal journey. Refreshingly honest and at times very funny, Hole in the Heart will resonate with all parents as a wonderful expression of love.’ – Georgina Rodgers, Yorkshire Post
‘This graphic novel is one of the most beautiful expressions of love I’ve ever read.’ – Pamreader
‘Arresting, affecting, occasionally enraging but always deeply beautiful.’ – The Bookseller
‘Wonderful, astonishing drawings... A masterclass in the sorrow and joy of being human, and a powerful reminder that nothing is more earth-shattering than love.’ – Meg Rosoff
‘Essential reading for every paediatrician in training.’ – Robert Yates, Consultant Cardiologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
‘Hole in the Heart packs a powerful emotional punch by pitting ordinary scenes of life with a new-born alongside the devastating reality of the diagnosis of Beth’s condition.’ – Joanna Moorhead, The Guardian
‘Hole in the Heart is a beautiful yet gut-wrenching experience. The images ooze with the human touch and are juxtaposed with raw and frank text in a unique and revelatory way. Henny Beaumont’s ability to capture the lived experience that so often exists within the hard clinical lines of reality was what made me feel she was the perfect illustrator for Equal to Everything – Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court, a children’s book written by Afua Hirsch, about law, justice and equality.’ – Dr Laura Janes, Chair of Legal Action Group
‘Sitting in the park crying (in a good way) having just finished your book. Love your moving graphic memoir.’ – Philippa Perry
‘Very moving… I read it with great admiration and the odd tear.’ – Margaret Drabble
‘I read the book in one sitting. [A] most marvellous piece of work… tender and at times almost unbearably honest. [It] will come as a great relief and great help to others
in similar situations.’ – Jonathan Freedland
‘Beaumont’s book is original in style as well as subject. Barely perceptible gutters ensure the story flows between each portrait at a dramatic pace, strengthening the development of each characters’ emotions.’ – Ink Magazine
‘Hole in the Heart is a moving, funny, ironic and refreshingly honest look at living with a child who has special needs. This beautifully drawn memoir transforms a deeply personal experience into a story that will resonate with every parent, and anyone who has wondered how to behave towards families with disabled children.’ – Bookanista
‘BOOK OF THE WEEK This brutally honest graphic memoir…relives the by turns hellish and life-affirming journey Henny, husband Steve and their three other children have travelled. Beaumont's beautiful painting of Beth on the cover bursts with joy. But turn inside and her black inkings of family life, in comic-strip format… lay bare [their] torment.’ – Ingo Hippisley, The Sun
‘Powerful and deeply honest... Henny's words and stunning artwork speak to everyone, whether they have a child with a learning disability or not.’ – MENCAP
