An Absent Mind by: Eric Rill

Synopsis:

An Absent Mind, a riveting new novel from Eric Rill, author of Pinnacle of Deceit and The Innocent Traitor, is about a race against time. The ticking time bomb is Saul Reimer's sanity. His Alzheimer's is going to be the catalyst that will either bring his family together or tear it apart. Although An Absent Mind depicts Saul's arduous struggle with Alzheimer's, it is equally a story about his relationship with his loved ones and their shared journey. 

Seventy-one, and a man used to controlling those around him, Saul finds himself helplessly slipping into the abyss in what he describes as his slow dance with death. As we listen in on his ramblings, humor, emotions, lucid moments, and confusion, we are also privy to the thoughts and feelings his family share with us-his wife, Monique, conflicted and depressed; caring, yet angry; his daughter, Florence, compassionate, worried about her father's health, yet proper and reserved; his son, Joey, self-centered and narcissistic, seemingly distant from his family's challenges. And Dr. Tremblay, Saul's Alzheimer's specialist, who provides the reader with facts and observations about this dreaded disease that imprisons more than 35 million people worldwide. 

We know from the beginning how it has to end for Saul, because no one has ever outsmarted Alzheimer's. But how will he navigate the meandering road that will eventually destroy his health and result in his death? And how will it affect those around him as they live with strain and guilt, while at the same time being forced to face their own demons? These questions are answered expertly by the author as he explores the conflicts that rise to the surface as the family deals with Saul's dementia. 

Eric Rill's novel is reminiscent of Lisa Genova's Still Alice, Nicholas Sparks The Notebook, and Alice Munro's Away From Her. Although a beautiful work of literary fiction, An Absent Mind will expose the reader to the reality of Alzheimer's.

Rating:★★★★

Review:

This novel really knows how to draw you in and it just captivates you. An Absent Mind is broken into 3 parts; The Discovery, Coping, & The Final Stop, which I really think helps make the plot seem faster paced. It is also told from multiple perspective of the family members involved, so you get the chance to see how Alzheimer's affects everyone involved and not just the patient. 

I felt really compassionate towards Saul in the beginning watching him go through all of his test and seeing how everyone changed their interactions with him. I felt like he was a part of my family and it hit home watching all of his mood swings and confused moments. But then we got to the one part that I absolutely hated which was the fact that I felt like we were supposed to ignore the fact that Saul was abusive towards Monique, his wife, way before the Alzheimer's. She literally said he pretty much bought her and she kind of learned to love him over time. He belittles her, he alienated her from her french speaking friends just because HE couldn't understand what they were saying, and he was overbearing and controlling. Plus he's a bit sexist in my opinion because he refused to allow her to get a college degree but has the nerve to treat her like she's stupid (mental & emotional abuse as clear as day). I went from being compassionate of Saul to hating him as a person because of how little he thought about his wife. I understand the disease is making him paranoid, angry, and confused but he didn't have to disrespect her the way he did. I'm wondering why did she stay married to him as long as she did, and as a matter of fact if he was like this in the beginning, why did she marry him at all?

I really liked how Eric Rill took the time to explain to his readers, that may not know exactly what Alzheimer's is, it's effects in a non-textbook way. I loved that the plot was fast paced and didn't drag on, even though it's not a long book anyways(276pgs). It made me feel like I was reading through this book super fast which really helped my reading-self-esteem.

I REALLY REALLY!!! recommend that people read this because this truly is an amazing book.