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A review by dwdillydally
The Dementia Diaries by Matthew Snyman
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
This is an appealing way to present how dementia effects families. It's relatable, funny, and overflows with empathy. Lots of illustrations and a variety of fonts - similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Geronimo Stilton. To quote the cover, "A novel in cartoons."
It is by a British publisher; I happen to be an American reader. The casual text includes a lot of UK slang and pop culture references. Plus, the resources at back lead to UK organizations and websites. I didn't mind, but I mention it because your reading needs may vary.
My only quibble is the sturcture (...pacing?) of the stories. There are 6 chapters, each with 4 characters writing their diary entry. (Plus, an activitysection, but these were my least favorite part. Seemed like homework. ) Each chapter is suppose to give examples of how dementia progress, "chapter 2: first signs... chapter 3: ways of coping... chapter 6: thinking about the future." I would have preferred that each character told their story all the way through. Rather than bouncing between 4 different journal entries. I would've been able to understan the narratives more clearly.
It is by a British publisher; I happen to be an American reader. The casual text includes a lot of UK slang and pop culture references. Plus, the resources at back lead to UK organizations and websites. I didn't mind, but I mention it because your reading needs may vary.
My only quibble is the sturcture (...pacing?) of the stories. There are 6 chapters, each with 4 characters writing their diary entry. (Plus, an activitysection, but these were my least favorite part. Seemed like homework. ) Each chapter is suppose to give examples of how dementia progress, "chapter 2: first signs... chapter 3: ways of coping... chapter 6: thinking about the future." I would have preferred that each character told their story all the way through. Rather than bouncing between 4 different journal entries. I would've been able to understan the narratives more clearly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Minor: Excrement and Car accident
description of nudity, one comedic cartoon of a grandfather in underwear