As someone who has lost family members of my parents' generation, the excerpt from this book touched my heart. In fact, it may be a bit too sad and "too close to home" (as the saying goes) for me to enjoy it. I have seen my mother and beloved aunts struggle with the sadness of having their beloved soul mate-spouse pass away, so I could relate to elderly Doris's sorrow. Another realistic aspect of this story is the dwindling number of people in Doris's family as well as how far away they live in a modern age where people not only move to a new side of town or a different city, but to a different country, to a different continent. I have seen older family members learn how to handle email and gain new found joy at turning on a computer and having instant contact, so I have no doubt that I could relate to this book about Doris.
The author does a good job of conveying the shallow conversations and hurried, sometimes brusque "care" from paid caretakers. Elder abuse is a real problem in the United States where few people seem willing to have extended families under one roof.
I think the comparison to A MAN CALLED OVE is probably a fair comparison, and I did read OVE, which was also a sad book. I think this book is worthwhile - based on the excerpt I previewed, but I do not feel compelled to read it. Just a bit too depressing and also because I have heard the stories first hand.
The author does a good job of conveying the shallow conversations and hurried, sometimes brusque "care" from paid caretakers. Elder abuse is a real problem in the United States where few people seem willing to have extended families under one roof.
I think the comparison to A MAN CALLED OVE is probably a fair comparison, and I did read OVE, which was also a sad book. I think this book is worthwhile - based on the excerpt I previewed, but I do not feel compelled to read it. Just a bit too depressing and also because I have heard the stories first hand.