Still Alice
I borrowed this novel from my aunt a while ago and feel bad that it has taken me this long to read it. I feel like such a slacker. Anyways, I guess there was a reason why I delayed reading it because now, this novel has taken on greater meaning to me. My aunt is now battling this disease. As I read this novel, there were similarities between Alice’s struggles and my aunt’s and there was comfort in knowing that.
As the novel begins, Alice and her husband are both successful individuals who no longer spend much time with each other. They have raised three children who are now out on their own and they are empty-nesters. They both realize that their careers have taken over their lives. It’s as if they are on automatic pilot.
A major twist in the story emerges quickly in the novel for Alice and her life begins to change. These changes begin slowly and soon, Alice begins to notice other events in her life that aren’t clicking and she knows she should call a doctor and she will, someday.
When that “day” arrives, these events have started to add up and they have become more noticeable in her life, Alice finally talks to her doctor. Alice decides she wants more than just her regular doctor so she goes to see a specialist, who digs more into her symptoms. That doctor discovers that she has early onset Alzheimer’s Disease and her reaction is what I would have expected.
What I liked most about this novel was the honesty that I felt was portrayed within it. The reactions and the behavior felt genuine and natural. I didn’t feel like someone was trying to make this novel exciting or enjoyable, this novel was about real life.
Alice tries to maintain her lifestyle as she acknowledges the disease that has now become a part of her life. As her family, friends and colleagues learn of Alice’s disease, their actions and their thoughts touch Alice but she has Alzheimer’s, so those touches are brief and Alice is left standing all alone, or so she thinks.
It’s hard to imagine what one must think about or feel going through Alzheimer’s. The frustration, desperation, confusion, love and compassion, all on so many levels. This novel helps put things into perspective and I thank the author for that. I loved the birthday presents the family gave Alice, what a great idea!
