Andrew Leland's "The Country of the Blind"

The LARB Radio Hour features Kate Wolfe and Medea Ocher interviewing Andrew Leland, author of "The Country of the Blind," about his experience with retinitis pigmentosa and his exploration of blindness. Leland discusses his gradual vision loss, the social impact of using a white cane, and his evolving perceptions of blindness. The conversation covers the prejudices surrounding blindness, the importance of visual information accessibility, and the challenges of living between the sighted and blind worlds. Leland also shares his experiences learning Braille, the political awakening he experienced regarding disability, and the role of technology in aiding blind people. The discussion touches on the cultural aspects of blindness, the recalibration of sensory experiences like taste and desire, and the complexities of accepting blindness while acknowledging potential diminishment. The episode also includes a book recommendation from Heidi Julavits.