Brandy Schillace

Brandy Schillace, an autistic and nonbinary scholar, traverses the intriguing crossroads of history, mystery, and medical ethics in their writings. Raised in a unique environment—an underground house adjacent to a cemetery, accompanied by a pet raccoon—Schillace's early life was as unconventional as the narratives they craft. As an author and historian, their work is marked by a profound exploration of death, identity, and the human condition, weaving together elements of both the macabre and the enlightening. Among Schillace's notable contributions to literature is the acclaimed "Death's Summer Coat: What the History of Death and Dying Teaches Us About Life and Living," a thought-provoking treatise that delves into the cultural perceptions of mortality. The mystery novel "The Framed Women of Ardemore House" introduces readers to Jo Jones, an autistic protagonist embroiled in a mystery involving an abandoned manor and a perplexing murder, earning praise from Deanna Raybourn for its ingenious plot. In the realm of nonfiction, "Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher" investigates the eerie corridors of Cold War medicine, while the forthcoming "The Intermediaries" promises to shed light on the audacious history of the Institute of Sexology in Berlin, illuminating the early struggles for LGBTQ rights amidst the ominous rise of the Nazi regime. Schillace's literary style is characterized by its incisive wit and a penchant for unearthing the peculiar. Their work often interrogates the boundaries of societal norms, offering readers both entertainment and enlightenment. As the Editor in Chief of BMJ’s Medical Humanities, Schillace champions the intersection of social justice and health equity. Through their Peculiar Book Club on YouTube, they foster a community of curious minds, engaging with authors who share their affinity for the unusual. Their contributions extend beyond the written word, appearing on platforms like NPR and the History Channel, reinforcing their role as a pivotal voice in both literary and academic spheres.