"This is a wonderful book which highlights how a difficult situation when shared with others can become more tolerable, and a reminder that where there is darkness there is always hope. A must read for anyone who has cared for a loved one."
The Michaelmas Daisy is a beautiful, touching story describing a roller coaster of emotions experienced by a daughter caring for an elderly parent in the family home. Philippa, an only child, divorced and in her late fifties, has taken on the role of main carer for her father, Kenny, who has been diagnosed with dementia. Overseeing Philippa caring for her father is Beverley, Kenny’s wife and Philippa’s mother who passed away eight years ago. Beverley is still present and, unknown to Philippa and Kenny, is lovingly watching over both of them. The text is unusually narrated in the first person by Beverley which makes for an extremely compassionate read. Love, humour, sadness, support and hope are all present. Being a 24/7 carer for a patient suffering from dementia is not a topic to be taken lightly, and Paul Marriner should be applauded for writing this novel as he tackles the subject with much dignity and respect. Through Beverley, he sensitively describes the daily care administered by Philippa to her father, explores Philippa’s loneliness and guilt at the prospect of leaving her father under the care of a stranger should she want a few hours to herself, plus examines the growing relationship between Philippa and the respite carer, Kaska. Again, via Beverley, he also skilfully includes humour as she recalls past family experiences and highlights many of the fun times she experienced over the years both as a wife and mother. Throughout the book there are several references to songs and singing. As Kenny’s cognitive function declines his love of music remains as he recalls and sings songs along with Philippa and Kaska, suggesting that a degree of joy is still present in his life despite the invasion of a cruel disease. This is a wonderful book which highlights how a difficult situation when shared with others can become more tolerable, and a reminder that where there is darkness there is always hope. A must read for anyone who has cared for a loved one.
Kathryn Carruthers, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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