Monday, September 26, 2016

Elizabeth is missing

From Goodreads:
Maud is forgetful. She makes a cup of tea and doesn't remember to drink it. She goes to the shops and forgets why she went. Sometimes her home is unrecognizable—or her daughter, Helen, seems a total stranger.

But there's one thing Maud is sure of: her friend Elizabeth is missing. The note in her pocket tells her so. And no matter who tells her to stop going on about it, to leave it alone, to shut up, Maud will get to the bottom of it.

Because somewhere in Maud's damaged mind lies the answer to an unsolved seventy-year-old mystery. One everyone has forgotten about.

Everyone, except Maud . . .

A page-turning story of suspense,
Elizabeth Is Missing hauntingly reminds us that we are all at the mercy of our memory. Always compelling, often poignant, and at times even blackly witty, this is an absolutely unforgettable novel.

From Me:
Maud is a totally unreliable narrator--not because she's an alcoholic (like Girl on a Train)--not because she's a psychopath    (like Gone Girl), but just because she's an aging woman in the middle of a horrible disease---Alzheimer's related dementia.
Unreliable yes, but very endearing.
I loved Maud and thought the way the story was written was very compelling.
I notice that some readers found it frustrating, because yes, at times it jumped around and felt jumbled, but that was why it compelled me so much---we really don't know what goes on in the minds of those affected by Alzheimer's and that is why the mystery was so captivating for me.

Also, as a side note, my mother suffered from Alzheimer's, and maybe I felt an emotional bond towards Maud and her daughter Helen.
I love the last paragraph in the Goodreads review... we are all at the mercy of our memory.

5 comments:

bermudaonion said...

This sounds outstanding.

Anonymous said...

I find it very interesting when a book is written from a mental illness point of view.

JoAnn said...

I've had this on my kindle for a long time... think you've convinced me to read it!

Katherine P said...

I've seen some mixed reviews on this one though most have been positive and I really like your take on the writing style. The mystery sounds intriguing and these sound like characters I would enjoy getting to know.

Literary Feline said...

I admit Alzheimer's and Dementia are one of my biggest fears. Both run in my family. That's partly why I am so hesitant to read this one. I am glad you liked it!

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