Impact of Childhood Trauma on Individuals with Disabilities in Paolo Giordano's The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Abstract

People with disabilities are often considered as deviants rather than inmates by society.  They encounter a wide range of challenges and barriers like social stigma, discrimination, negative attitudes and limited accessibility which make them feel disconnected and hinder their capacity to engage fully in society. People usually view them as beneficiaries of charity, healthcare and social protection. In Paolo Giordano’s The Solitude of Prime Numbers (2008) the protagonists Alice and Mattia navigate the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood marked by traumatic experiences and emotional impairment. Focusing on characters with physical and cognitive disabilities this paper examines how childhood and early adulthood traumas persist into later life. The novel known for its themes of trauma and loneliness sheds light on the enduring impact of disability-related experiences.