I read this book in the late 70’s or early 80s. It popped into my head today; I don’t know why, and now I feel driven to reread it, but again, I don’t know why. The cover was an outdoor scene — a grassy field with some blurred figures, hard to make out. The novel was about a girl who lived in a hospital or an institution. She was physically disabled (wheelchair) and also did not talk. However, she did laugh at least once, and it seemed that she may have had a sense of irony that others didn’t recognize. The point of view was, I think, from her brother, who was visiting her. There was something disturbing about the story, but I can’t remember what it was. The only other thing I remember is that she had a unique name. This may also have been the name of the book. It had a T and an I in it – Tig? Twig? Twich? THANK YOU!
Tink.
YES!!!!! Thank you, Mama Squirrel! Did you do a search, or do you just remember it? Also, do you happen to remember the author? All the books that are popping up are “Tinkerbelle” type books.
I read it years ago. BUT my solution was wrong! Twink, not Tink, by John Neufeld. The original title was Touching. Cover image here:
https://www.librarything.com/work/261745
You have an amazing memory! Only one letter missing. I have a sister who is a librarian, and I shared your “Tink” clue with her. She was able to locate TWINK this afternoon as well – literally just got the text from her a few moments ago. But she would not have been able to find the book without your clue. Thank you so much!!!! I was starting to think that the book had been scrubbed from all the records or something. This is the most amazing feeling.
You’re welcome! I remember enjoying Twink, although it was sad too.