Allen Say has taken on the subject of an artist whose life was one of neglect and lack of appreciation and yet his gorgeous illustrations and deliberate text bring to life James Castle and remind us that there are talents that cannot be denied even if they are not recognized by others.  Born deaf to a farming family, Castle was considered a dummy and spent a good part of his life living in deplorable isolated conditions.  But he drew.....with spit and charcoal on whatever scraps of paper he could find.  Say's illustrations, often in the style of Castle,  show the deprivation but also the careful insight and make Castle's world very real.  A memorable book.