This book changed my perception of Dementia. I mean I knew a fair about amount it in 2014 my Nan passed away after suffering for years with Vascular. It was terrible to watch this person fade away from the loving Nan I had known for my whole life. No longer did she tell me stories of her childhood, at the end of her life she needed round the clock care and a live in carer.
In short what is Dementia? 'a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.' However this is an umbrella term for many different illnesses, more info available on Dementia UK.
Dementia is a huge issue in our ageing society, something which is overlooked in day to day news. I believe everyone should read this book because it gives an insight in to a mind suffering with Dementia.
The main character in this book is Maud. The narrative is written in both the past (just post world war 2) and now in the present. The past is written with a lot more clarity, as people with Dementia generally remember the past a lot more clearly than say what happened last Tuesday. The genius in this piece of writing is that of the present as you struggle along with Maud to work out what is happening in the narrative, as she forgets who own family, when she is, what she is doing, but having brief moments of remembering.
Throughout Maud is looking for her friend Elizabeth, to remember this she keeps notes in her pockets 'Elizabeth is Missing' along with anything else important. Whilst in the past there is the mystery of her missing sister Sukey, as it runs in parallel throughout the novel.
This is my favourite book I have read this year, whilst it was enjoyable to read it was also challenging. Please read this it will be well worth your time.
Thanks for popping by!
xxx
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