'Driven by Tens’: Obsession and cognitive difference in Toni Jordan’s romantic comedy Addition

This article explores how contemporary romance can represent cognitive disability through a critical analysis of the representation of cognitive difference in the romantic comedy Addition by Australian author Toni Jordan. I argue that the novel presents a non-stereotypical representation of a protag...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Robertson, Rachel
Format: Journal Article
Published: Intellect Ltd 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/7473
Description
Summary:This article explores how contemporary romance can represent cognitive disability through a critical analysis of the representation of cognitive difference in the romantic comedy Addition by Australian author Toni Jordan. I argue that the novel presents a non-stereotypical representation of a protagonist with a cognitive disability who is still able to participate in a love relationship while experiencing significant impairment. I argue that such works of popular romantic fiction can act to challenge negative stereotypes around mental illness and encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes.