Another Alzheimer's Memoir: A Review of Naomi Wark's Wildflowers in Winter

If you are looking for a book to help you understand Alzheimer’s Disease and sympathize with sufferers and caregivers, you need look no further than Naomi Wark’s Wildflowers in Winter. Wark’s story is a readable narrative that toggles back and forth between the point of view of an elderly retired teacher, Edna, and her grandson David. Obviously, I was able to identify much more readily with David, saying to myself as I read along, “Yep, that’s what it’s like to deal with someone whose mind is failing.” But it was also helpful for me to see events as Edna perceives them. For example, when paramedics try to check her pulse and must unbutton her blouse to do so, she has a flashback to an uncomfortable sexual incident. The reader can see, from Edna’s perspective, how traumatic this normally unremarkable little procedure might feel.

Edna is in her nineties. David’s age is not stated, but most likely he would be in his forties. The reader of Wildflowers in Winter is repeatedly invited back in time as Edna relives scenes from half a century ago. It’s rather wild to contemplate how much life has changed since then, and how difficult it would be, even for a person whose brain is uncompromised, to sort through all the changes that are continually happening. The reader is also invited into David’s world as he does his level best to be a caring and responsible grandson. While he ultimately achieves success, it is not without cost. I kept thinking, This is so stressful. Which it was for me, and continues to be for anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Wildflowers in Winter would be a good book for a person who wants to read a relatable story about caregiving, either in anticipation of undertaking it themselves, or to assist others as they do so.