Santa Montefiore books just finished reading this novel Here and Now...Santa Montefiore has crafted this book with expert skill. It takes the reader into the life of the main character Marigold and her journey into the world of losing memory in the developing dementia. Now you would think this a dark journey of a read..but the skill is the way Santa's research on facts has be woven into a beautiful story. She so cleverly uses the characters of Marigold's family and the community she belongs too. The result a mosaic of insights into other characters loves, tribulations and feuds. Feuds that shrink in significance to bring resolution as life becomes precious in them seeing a loved member of the community decline into the shadows of a mind losing its power to remember & make sense of surroundings.
You will as I have cry, but you will smile and laugh at some of the characters traits. There is a wonderful way of seeing how the family cope and are set free to find their life pathways with their loves. I love the way the village community come together to help try to keep memories alive and show how much Marigold meant to them.
There is love and courtship of Marigold's daughters. Even taking you into time out of the deep storyline to the sparkle of Toronto.
To say more would spoil your journey reading this book. But as a retired nurse midwife facing my older vulnerable years it has helped me. I also feel that this book should be recommended in nurse training and health care assistant training. There is much to learn and grow in understanding of dementia to ensure dignity & respect for all affected and ways to help... the key love wins through.
