The Day We Met by Rowan Coleman
Claire writes in her memory book with an unsteady hand, knowing that this moment of lucidity may end at any time. The muddled "fog" inside her brain lifts for a while, so she seizes the opportunity to record precious memories for the family she will eventually leave behind. Once she was an aspiring writer. That was before her mind started to fade and gradually slip away. The pages of her unpublished book are tucked away in a room she no longer enters. Now she lives with fear and frustration in her inability to tell time or grasp the simplest of words Just like her father, Claire suffers from early on-set Alzheimer's disease. There is no cure.
Claire is a determined, fiery, red-haired teacher with a temperament to match. Her stubborn, independent daughter, Caitlin, was born out of wedlock, and for years it was just the two of them facing life's hurdles alone. Then a much younger home contractor named Greg appeared at her door, and much to her surprise, Claire was like a giddy teenager in love. Now married and the parents of precocious Esther, Claire and Greg are a surprisingly happy couple until Claire begins to exhibit the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
History repeats itself when Caitlin reveals her own unplanned pregnancy. Claire reacts with a new sense of urgency, terrified that the Alzheimer's gene may be passed on for generations to come. Claire's Mum, often a thorn in her side, becomes the anchor her daughter needs. Much to Greg's dismay and sorrow, his wife looks at him as a stranger, unable to grasp the passion they once shared. As Claire deals with the total upheaval in her life, she finds that those she loves believe in her and will do anything to hold on to her memory.
British author Rowan Coleman wrote this touching novel based on her own life experiences. The novel wasn't born overnight, but evolved over a period of time in which Coleman contemplated the devastating effect dementia and Alzheimer's have on families. From that contemplation, Claire's story was created.
Anyone who has experienced the cruel effects of Alzheimer's disease on family will relate to this novel. In comparison to Still Alice, written in 2010, Coleman takes a different approach to the traumatic effects of this illness. Chapters of overwhelming sadness and grief are intermingled with humor and candid thoughts of a strong woman facing an uncertain future. Read through the tears to experience a superbly written book.
An emotional story about the bond between mothers, daughters, husbands, and wives; this book is a true celebration of life and love.
Claire writes in her memory book with an unsteady hand, knowing that this moment of lucidity may end at any time. The muddled "fog" inside her brain lifts for a while, so she seizes the opportunity to record precious memories for the family she will eventually leave behind. Once she was an aspiring writer. That was before her mind started to fade and gradually slip away. The pages of her unpublished book are tucked away in a room she no longer enters. Now she lives with fear and frustration in her inability to tell time or grasp the simplest of words Just like her father, Claire suffers from early on-set Alzheimer's disease. There is no cure.Claire is a determined, fiery, red-haired teacher with a temperament to match. Her stubborn, independent daughter, Caitlin, was born out of wedlock, and for years it was just the two of them facing life's hurdles alone. Then a much younger home contractor named Greg appeared at her door, and much to her surprise, Claire was like a giddy teenager in love. Now married and the parents of precocious Esther, Claire and Greg are a surprisingly happy couple until Claire begins to exhibit the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
History repeats itself when Caitlin reveals her own unplanned pregnancy. Claire reacts with a new sense of urgency, terrified that the Alzheimer's gene may be passed on for generations to come. Claire's Mum, often a thorn in her side, becomes the anchor her daughter needs. Much to Greg's dismay and sorrow, his wife looks at him as a stranger, unable to grasp the passion they once shared. As Claire deals with the total upheaval in her life, she finds that those she loves believe in her and will do anything to hold on to her memory.
British author Rowan Coleman wrote this touching novel based on her own life experiences. The novel wasn't born overnight, but evolved over a period of time in which Coleman contemplated the devastating effect dementia and Alzheimer's have on families. From that contemplation, Claire's story was created.
Anyone who has experienced the cruel effects of Alzheimer's disease on family will relate to this novel. In comparison to Still Alice, written in 2010, Coleman takes a different approach to the traumatic effects of this illness. Chapters of overwhelming sadness and grief are intermingled with humor and candid thoughts of a strong woman facing an uncertain future. Read through the tears to experience a superbly written book.
An emotional story about the bond between mothers, daughters, husbands, and wives; this book is a true celebration of life and love.
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