Saturday, January 16, 2016

"The Things We Keep" by Sally Hepworth.


A delightful, very unusual story, more a  romance than a tragedy and an excellent, original addition to the sub-genre of dementia books.  Dementia is a disease of loss, and I have been privileged to work with its sufferers in the past.  For both the patient and their relatives and friends, it represents a whole series of bereavements despite the continuation of life in some form, and it can be hard to comprehend the enormity of this.  Sally Hepworth gives a lucid and engaging account of the process, managing to combine it into an entertaining, rewarding read which is both romantic and a subtle discussion of the ethics of caring for dementia sufferers.  Loss and making the most of what you have are the significant themes in the book, and there is plenty of food for thought.  I think "The Things We Keep" would be an excellent book club selection, with plenty of themes to consider and discuss, as well as a captivating read.

To be published: 19th January 2016 by St. Martin's Press.

1 comment:

elizabeth said...

This sounds a most timely read.Thank you for suggesting it.
My poor Ma-in-law had the most difficult and depressing last years - that's why we came back from Morocco.
So sad when dementia sufferers look so frightened and confused.
Do hope Anna had a good time in NY - most English young people love it!