“Elizabeth is Missing”: book review

This week we reviewed “Elizabeth is Missing” by Emma Healey. With Maud, the central character, having what we assume to be dementia, she is an unreliable narrator. However, that does not make her a character you can dislike. Healey really seems to inhabit Maud and brings the octogenarian to life vividly, with affection and humour.

I found the book’s examination of our relationship with people with dementia interesting, be that as a general member of the public, or as a (grand)daughter: it reflects that as a society we really need to treat ageing people with more respect and dignity, even if they are at times frustrating. For those who have no experience of dementia striking a loved one, it probably provides a good insight into the condition, although as someone who has a relative with dementia, I did at times find it a little bit clichéd.

The novel plots two mysteries which keep you doubly engaged, even if the outcomes are slightly predictable. I did find the interplay in Maud’s memory between past and present events engaging as it echoed what I have often found with my own relative with dementia: that present events often contain nuggets of truth from the past; the mystery is trying to plot the connections the person is making.

Overall, a good read that highlights themes of old age, loss, love, and loneliness. The subject matter could at face value be perceived as tragic and sad, but this novel radiates warmth, compassion, and also hope.

Isolation of the elderly

Task for this week: to write a short story or newspaper article based on a topic you feel passionate about. We spent the session thinking about potential topics and then wrote the piece for homework. I chose the isolation of the elderly.

It’s memories I live on. Just as well as the TV’s a waste of time. Since that changeover thing I can’t pick up a steady picture; it keeps jumping. This message pops up but I don’t understand it. I can’t even see the changer these days. Yesterday I got it confused with the telephone as I’ve got one of those portable ones. Not that anyone rings but I like to have it nearby, just in case. Mind you though yesterday I did get a call; someone trying to sell me something. First person I’ve spoken to in nearly a week. I tried to keep him in conversation, but once they work out you won’t buy anything they soon give up.