Review by Ian Keogh

Bruck Syndrome is a rare condition rendering bones extremely fragile and likely to break. The effects can be mitigated, but there’s no cure. It’s worth considering the condition and how it might limit the enjoyment of life before beginning Maria Sweeney’s account of her affliction, first apparent in childhood.

While other children can enjoy their abundance of natural energy the young Maria can’t use much of what’s available in a playground without careful supervision. As an adult it’s an achievement to walk 350 yards without a break, although always aided by a cane. Well meaning people can be unknowingly insulting and moments of relief are few and far between.

For all the obvious pain, this recollection isn’t seeking pity, but understanding, and in laying out a restricted life where targets can be set so low by ‘normal’ standards we see how the days are greatly impaired by a lack of consideration. Obstacles such as pavements without ramps, the effect of potholes when driving and the stress of navigating an oppressively administrative healthcare system operating under an assumption of one size fits all aren’t confined to people with Bruck Syndrome. The areas spotlighted are New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but they’re surely representative of wider frustrations.

Frequent references to art indicate a form of relief, and Sweeney has a painterly approach to comics with continuity minimised to display the moment. The illustrations are delicate and emotionally strong, with subtle commentary in the detail counterpointing the narrative captions. A chapter on dating includes a visit to a bookshop, and as the captions consider the difficulties of the staircase the table display is shown prominently featuring a book of sex advice. Many other nuanced contrasts feature, along with occasional painterly decorative elements in what’s presented with unusual care.

If the condition itself isn’t limitation enough, further restrictions are imposed by associated troubles and frequent hospital treatment. It means Brittle Joints will at times difficult reading, due to the honesty rather than any narrative deficiency, sympathy and connections well formed through what’s detailed so effectively. Many of us could learn a lot from reading it.