At first, I was hesitant to read this book. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch someone deteriorate as Alzheimer's claims progressively more of their independence, self-awareness, and memories. But I shouldn't have worried. True to form, Fischer handled the subject with his characteristic deftness, sensitivity, and balance. Telling this story was indeed a balancing act.
The story revolves around the Korhonen family. Biddy is the matriarch in the middle stages of Alzheimer's. Walter is the long-suffering husband determined to care for his wife at home and not miss any of the remaining periods where the wife he knew briefly re-emerges from her illness. Hanna, their daughter is seeking refuge in her parents home from a work incident that left her shaken. We also see brothers Henrik, the highly successful son who never quite measures up and is always in an unspoken competition with Patrick, for whom everything comes easily. Patrick, highly successful in every endeavor, lives cut off from his family, harboring a secret that will only hurt his father.
It became apparent early into the story that Fischer had meticulously researched his subject. While Alzheimer's was the central issue of the book, the title said as much, if not more about the rest of the characters. Each of the Korhonen's must face up to, and accept that there are things holding them back in life. Peripheral characters play primary roles in both Watler's and Hanna's ultimate decisions about their lives and what they need to do. A family that is already partially fractured becomes more so as they each have their own ideas about how to handle Biddy's illness. Their ideas frequently clash with what Walter's wants for his wife. We see Walter's internal conflict over how much of his wife's tasks he has had to take over as her illness progresses. We are also witness to his frustration as it boils over when he occasionally runs out of patience.
The story took me back to a time when one of my sister's in-laws were dealing with a form of dementia (I forget what specifically). I remember hearing the pain in her voice as she told me what they were going through. There was nothing I could do but express my love for her and offer my shoulder and ear when ever she needed.
Time to Let Go resonated with me for that reason.
I've come to realize Fischer doesn't tackle easy subjects, yet what he chooses to write about is always worth reading. Writing from the family level of dynamics takes his books to a personal level that requires the reader to embrace the story and empathize with his characters. It's easy to understand Walter's reasons for wanting to keep his wife home for as long as possible. I can't imagine what it must be like to see the person you've shared your life with slowly and irretrievably lose pieces of themselves.
As with his
Black Eagle Trilogy, this was not an easy nor comfortable read. I do feel this is a book that should be widely read. As society becomes ever more entrenched in technology, we lose those interactions that preserve our very humanity. We need books such as this in order to retain and remain aware there are those who need the strength that comes from personal connections, because someday, we may be that person and have no one to whom we can turn.
This book was very well researched, well written, with characters that not only well developed, but dynamic in their growth. I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars
Additionally, I would like to credit
Daz Smith who designed the cover art. Beautiful and quietly elegant, the lone swan on the cover evokes the loss of a life partner while reaching for what remains.
This book is available from:
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
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