Very rarely is a female perspective brought to the spotlight in conversations around autism, but it’s encouraging to see more authors and public figures share their experiences. One such person is Fern Brady. The comedian by trade released her memoir in February 2023 to glowing reviews and praise — and we can understand why.

Autism is still largely misunderstood in our society, and even more so when we discuss how autism presents in women. The signs and symptoms are mostly different to what men experience and, therefore, are not what society expects. What Brady expertly achieves is a brutally honest account of her life growing up with undiagnosed autism (she didn’t receive her diagnosis until early 2021 despite informing her doctor that she had it). 

Her memoir deals with some very tricky and upsetting themes, including sexism, child grooming, addiction, and homelessness, which may be triggering for readers. We advise doing some research before purchasing the book and to take care while reading it.

As you may have guessed, Strong Female Character is a memoir on neurodiversity, specifically Fern’s experience growing up with autism. She goes into great detail about her childhood living in a catholic household and how she reached out to a doctor in her teenage years to be told she wasn’t autistic. “You can’t be autistic”, the psychiatrist said. “You’re making eye contact. And you have a boyfriend. So no, you don’t fit the criteria.” Two decades later, she would finally receive the diagnosis she knew she needed. 

Brady’s life takes many twists and turns, from befriending an elderly man who runs the local corner shop and, subsequently, getting groomed to stripping to support herself through University. Not to mention, an addiction to Xanax in order to “cure” her autism. But, whilst these situations and circumstances are brutal and distressing Fern is still able to add comedic flair to her writing. So, don’t be surprised if you chuckle at something that isn’t inherently funny.

Who is Fern Brady?

Fern Brady is an award-winning, Scottish comedian, podcaster, and author. She reached the finals of ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe, where she was placed joint third, and also won the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2013.

Her Fringe stand-up shows include People Are Idiots (2015), Male Comedienne (2016), and Suffer, Fools! (2017), the last of which was filmed for Live From The BBC in 2019.

Brady has also appeared on panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and has even written for The Guardian.

Want to read more?

Keen to read Strong Female Character? Why not browse some of the books we’ve reviewed in genres like Drama, Thriller, or wider Fiction?

In the meantime, keep up-to-date on the latest reviews by visiting our latest reviews page and, of course, the Victoria Freudenheim blog for literary news and advice.