A review by ezzydesu
Hersenschimmen by J. Bernlef

4.0

“Je moet niet teruggaan naar plaatsen van vroeger. Dan vernietig je die gloed, de kern van je herinneringen.”
― J. Bernlef, Out of Mind

This book was a tough read for me. Not because the writing was tough, but the subject was.

The book is about Maarten Klein, a senior man who is slowly getting swallowed by dementia.

I have never encountered someone with dementia, so never had a good impression of how it damages people their life. However, the way his dementia is written is so clear. Not only do you see how he is forgetting things and having gaps in his memory, you see his confusion, panic, anger and fear of whatever is happening to him. His wife's reactions were so heart breaking and he seriously had no clue what was wrong. It hit me deep in my heart.

I would recommend this book to everyone. This is a subject that gets far too little attention.


Read other reviews on my blog:
https://ezziesbookshelf.wordpress.com