Behind the Shutters is a powerful and unforgettable story of courage, resilience, and the human spirit’s refusal to be defined by limitation.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s—a time when families were often encouraged to institutionalize disabled children “for their own good”—this novel follows Stephie, a blind child growing up in institutional care, learning to survive in a world that was never designed to see her. Abandoned behind closed doors and societal expectations, Stephie must navigate betrayal, loss, and profound loneliness while discovering her own strength in the darkest of places.

More than a story about the loss of sight, Behind the Shutters is about the awakening of other senses, deeper truths, and an unyielding search for belonging, love, and meaning. With raw honesty, the story does not shy away from sorrow or abandonment, yet it shines with hope—revealing moments of independence, trust, and self-worth that break through the shadows.

As listeners, we are invited not only to witness Stephie’s struggles, but to feel her triumphs as she reclaims her voice and her worth. This is a story for anyone who has ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or forgotten.

Life is filled with unseen battles—but behind every closed shutter, there is a story of hope waiting to be told.

Stephanie Birkhead is a blind author, advocate, who believes in meeting life with honesty, humor, and resilience. Her memoir, Behind the Shutters, shares her personal journey while challenging common misconceptions about disability and independence. When she isn’t writing, Stephanie enjoys baking, learning new technology, taking courses to expand her skills, and playing music with her husband Chris.