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When Canadian academic Emily Urquhart’s first child was born with a shock of white hair, it was the beginning of a terrifying, magical and unexpected journey into raising a child with albinism. In an effort to learn what it means for her daughter to be born without pigment, Urquhart looks at everything from the genetics behind the disorder to the ancient legends surrounding people who have it and what living with albinism looks like today. It’s impossible to remain dry-eyed when Urquhart documents her visit to Africa—where children with albinism are routinely murdered—and equally difficult not to fall in love with her enchanting daughter. Beyond the Pale is an affecting memoir that is as informative as it is poetic. ■