Nicholas Monsarrat 
The Story Of Esther Costello 

In a small Irish village, young Esther Costello, victim of a tragic accident that has left her deaf, dumb and blind, is kept barely alive by hardhearted parents. Discovered by a well-meaning American tourist, who is appalled by Esther »s shocking condition, she is whisked away to America for treatment. But all the advances of American medicine are unable to bring about a cure and with unceasing devotion, her patron decides to devote her life to Esther »s care. But a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness eventually results in donations being diverted to the woman »s personal account, and in a harrowing twist to the tale, Esther »s faculties are restored, with shocking consequences.