Ruth, thirty years old, has lost her fiancé and her job, and she goes home to California to help care for her father Howard, a retired history professor with Alzheimer's. Her mother has a plan: Ruth will take a leave from life and look after him, including by teaching his last class. Rachel Khong tells the story in short, diary-like entries across a year, with plenty of dry humour and affection. Ruth reflects on her parents' marriage, her brother, her broken relationship, and what memory really is when it starts to disappear.
The novel is for readers who like brief, witty literary fiction about family and the loss of a parent's mind. It's a good choice if you want something sad without being heavy, with an affectionate voice.
Inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2017
- Language
- EN
