The Rules of Seeing is about two women. Kate is an architect, married to Tony. Nova is a police interpreter, blind from birth. They are destined to meet for the first time, twice, in a hospital.
Nova is given the chance to see for the first time, which brings unforeseen consequences. Her way of navigating the world around her becomes more difficult rather than easier. What we take for granted is far from straightforward. Nova isn't even sure if she wants to see.
Kate may have sight, but she doesn't see her world as it really is. Long before Kate does, the reader can see what is wrong with Kate's life. I kept wanting to give Kate a good shake as she continued to live in denial. Her husband, Tony, represents everything that is wrong with men, entitlement, violence and ‘gaslighting’ behaviour. Nothing is ever his fault.
The author, Joe Heap, writes women extremely well. The burgeoning friendship of Kate and Nova is very sweet. They are both suffering from trauma, and need each other to heal. Heap offers a fresh perspective on how we see the world, through their eyes.