This book had an extremely relevant topic, which will touch many people who read the novel. I have very little first hand knowledge of Alzheimers but the difficulties and frustrations of dealing with a sufferer came across loud and clear in the storyline. Biddy’s family are divided about the kind of care that she should receive and each deals with her condition in very different ways. Some are hands-on, some challenge poor Walter, Biddy’s husband about the style of care he has opted for and some just stay away. It’s a very sad novel and probably a real reflection of what it’s like to watch a loved one slip away at the hands of such a disease.
Of all the characters, I felt that Biddy herself was the most well drawn. I wanted to like Hanna but for that, she needed much more depth. There was an unrealism about the airline thread and I think much more could have been made of that, to stop it just being a book about the disease with more action played out on the journalist issue. It felt as though there were threads in the novel which weren’t grasped hold of, as though the characters wanted to have a mind of their own and were denied it. Without giving spoilers, there were possible relationships that could have been exploited to add another angle and a bit more interest. I felt like the epilogue was a bit of a slap in the face. It was a diary of events that told me more than I got throughout the whole novel. One thing I really struggled with was the lack of contractions in speech. It felt really wooden because real people don’t speak like that.
It has the potential to be a great story, but needs a tidy up with stronger plot lines outside of what Biddy does each day and how Walter does or doesn’t cope with it. The research about Alzheimers is faultless. The reader is left in no doubt how cruel the disease is or the conflicts which rage for carers, not to mention the outside pressures and physical realities for them. With a bit more umph, this novel can be something a carer picks up and finds light relief in, whilst understanding that the author knew exactly how they were feeling.
Great reviews on a novel about a very tough topic. Congratulations, Christoph!
Thanks Olga ❤
Congrats!
Off topic, but . . .
This article reminded me of your troubles a while back when Amazon deleted all the reviews you’d done for their site. I thought it might interest you.
Thanks – and thanks for the article link. It is remarkable that Amazon’s own authors can get reviews in such massive numbers without impeachment. So much for protecting the consumer lol
Best wishes
Christoph
Congratulations.
Alzheimers is a complex disease. i lost an uncle to it a few years back.the dementia stage and the stage where he could no longer eat or drink or even sit were the hardest on his family.
True, it’s a very hard stage of the disease and my heart goes out to those families affected. I admire the people who deal with it bravely.
Best
Christoph
Congratulations on the reviews.
Thanks Don 🙂
You’re welcome.
Congratulations on this lovely review, Christoph. Well deserved, my friend. Mega hugs!
Thanks Teagan. Happy Monday ❤
Congrats again my friend. Indeed a topic that I see more and more written about. ❤
Thanks Debby. It’s important to break the taboos and stigmas and share what we know to learn as societies to and individuals to deal with it.Hugs Hugs!
Absolutely my friend. ❤
Excellent reviews, Christoph. The cover is absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks Diana. Yes, my designer Daz did a splendid job there. Hugs ❤