Ever wanted a read that was just like a massive, giggly but safe warm hug?
That’s what this read gave me. While it’s not exactly a romp, this novel cleverly combines the stories of a family facing a child’s terminal illness, and a staff member’s own domestic drama.
It’s all woven into a compelling tale about ageing, acceptance and love, written with humour, tenderness and is utterly heartwarming.
At the start you’ll need to suspend disbelief when Frederick (Fred) Fife, penniless, still mourning the death of his wife, and about to be homeless, stumbles on an elderly man who closely resembles him.
He’s alone in a wheelchair, by a river. Fred decides to wheel him over to the nursing home group nearby. But, of course, the wheelchair falls over and the dead man ends up whisked away in the river. Now, the nursing staff assumes that Fred IS the elderly man and bundles him back into the
Fred’s attempts at explaining who he is and what has happened to be a manifestation of his supposed dementia; and this is how Fred becomes Bernard Greer.
The relationships formed between himself and the other nursing home patients, plus the staff, and Bernard Greer’s own family members make for some of the silliest, heart-warming, funny and poignant moments and to me is what makes this such a fun and delightful read.
I found this book became even more special after discovering the author was inspired to write this novel by her grandfather, Fred. He suffered from dementia; and Johnston worked as a social support coordinator in the nursing home where he was a resident. This was how Johnston created such a funny tale but with sensitivity and truth.
I must admit, this book did have me thinking about oldies and old age and dementia. It was a beautiful reminder to treat people with respect, kindness and how far that can really go to improve lives when all lives are filled with complexities and baggage.
It was a random one for me to pick up, but I am glad I did. It gave me all the feels!!
Grab a copy, I doubt you’ll regret it.
