Writing about Disability

There's a story I experienced when I was very young. A historical novel set during the Romano-British period about a young man's quest to discover his father's fate across Hadrian's Wall. The story is The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. While it's a fascinating and entertaining historical adventure, it's also features something that's still quite rare; a protagonist with a disability.

Main character Marcus goes through the entire quest coping with a old break in his leg from his time as a Roman cohort leader. He is left with a permanent limp, and during the long trek across Caledonia he must contend at times with near-constant pain. Even with the help of his slave-turned-freedman Esca, his journey isn't easy. But he succeeds in finding out the fate of the Ninth Legion -- commanded by his father -- and returns their desecrated eagle to Roman territory.

This story has something that's still rare in mainstream fiction; a disabled protagonist. Sutcliff herself had to cope with Still's Disease throughout her life, and consequently many of her leads have to similarly cope with injury or disability. But why should more authors with sound bodies create characters with unsound bodies? True, there are books who use protagonists with unsound minds, but they tend to be part-satire or deliberately taking a dark or even comedic approach to a genre. It's not played straight as often in the mainstream as it is in fringe material.

A few days ago, I was struck by this. The concept was formed a few months before when I saw a press image of actress Selma Blair; she was in a stunning dress, and walked with a cane, being unafraid to show the world her life with multiple sclerosis. That made me remember; someone who makes a life for themselves with a disability of some kind can be more empowering than any full-bodied figment of fiction. So my fantasy novella began to take shape. The protagonist is a young man, suffering (you guessed) from a form of sclerosis that leaves him weak; unable to walk with a cane, and for long journeys needing a brace on his weak leg.

Basically, I'm using a novella with a simple story and small cast to create something compelling with a lead character who isn't a strong young man archetype. He's weak, he's vulnerable, he's forced on a mission that may prove his downfall. And through all of it, he'll succeed. He'll accept what comes, regardless.

Of course, my experience may well be limited or my view prejudiced. If you have any good mainstream books that have lead characters who succeed with their disabilities, please tell me. I'll be interested.