Format: Paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Published: 16th August 2012
Pages: 327 Pages
The Blurb
Alice is just fifty when she finds herself in a downward spiral, increasing disorientated and forgetful. A university professor, wife and mother of three, she has books to write, places to see, grandchildren to meet. But now a tragic diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is set to change her life – and her relationship with her family and the world – forever.
Losing her yesterdays, living for each day, her short-term memory is hanging by a frayed thread. But she is still Alice.
Rating: 4/5
The Review
Thanks to Books and the City for this book. I won a copy of Still Alice as part of a monthly competition.
I’m sure you’re all aware of Still Alice as it’s now a major blockbuster film – I’m yet to see it, but I’ve heard it’s meant to be lovely.
Still Alice is the story of Alice, a fifty-something Harvard professor, who has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Written in date format, you learn how much the disease effects Alice in just over two years.
I was a little apprehensive to start reading because I was a little worried I’d find it overly emotional and something that was a little too honest. I know awareness of such diseases need to increase, but sometimes I like to live in naivety. However, I will admit that I really enjoyed it.
What I liked most about Still Alice was that you only learnt about Alice and her life in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, I don’t think it would have been enjoyable if you were involved in the most progressive stage of the disease. Alice would have hated anyone reading her story once she wasn’t aware of her actions – she would have been embarrassed. No one wants to be portrayed in bad light.
John, Alice’s husband, was a character I disliked. It sounds harsh, but I wasn’t his biggest fan. I felt like he was unsupportive and was just pushing everything under the rug. Don’t get me wrong I know he was suffering and probably was confused as to how he should feel – very few people have experienced this disease. I’m glad her children Tom, Anna and Lydia were there to look after her.
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I’m encouraged to give this a go now – like you I am apprehensive about reading it for fear it will be too sad/difficult to enjoy.
I’d defintiely give it a go! It is naturally going to be sad, but it’s not to the point were you get overly emotional.