Review of Not Dead Yet
Posted: 07 Sep 2023, 12:20
[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Dead Yet" by Mark Fletcher.]
Not Dead Yet is a collection of short fictional stories at a nursing facility for the elderly. This book begins on a high note, where the elderly in a nursing home are demanding to be understood as human beings and be respected as such by their customer care manager. This arises from a planned sporting event that is full of stereotyped activities for the elderly that seem condescending and demeaning. The elderly deliver their message effectively as the sports event gets cancelled in the meantime.
The themes of love and loss were demonstrated by the journal and the letters between Arthur and Kobayashi's family. Alexander's story highlights how settling in a new environment can be a lot of hustle, especially when it is a shared space. Alexander's story captures the essence of living a dignified life, more so for people who need assisted care for their daily living activities. Shirley brings in humour, which lights up the moment at the community hall. I found myself laughing out loud at her dark humour.
Mark Fletcher has done a great job depicting the stress of the elderly as their body functions deteriorate and the downside of having to be handled by others. Thomas, a resident at the nursing home, really does put it into perspective when he tells the nursing home manager the answer to her first question on the form about his demeanour is 'humiliated'.
The intent of the book is perfectly conveyed, and the book, although fictional, has so much to it that makes the reading seem lively and realistic, like the songs and poems, the confessions, and #OldPeopleVote. There's absolutely nothing that I dislike about it. I only came across two grammatical errors, and given that the book is over a hundred pages, it's proof that editing was done. This book deserves a rating of a full5 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to caregivers and the administrators of hospices and nursing homes because of the insight in it from the perspective of their clients. This book would also cheer up anyone who is in the final moments of life.
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Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Not Dead Yet is a collection of short fictional stories at a nursing facility for the elderly. This book begins on a high note, where the elderly in a nursing home are demanding to be understood as human beings and be respected as such by their customer care manager. This arises from a planned sporting event that is full of stereotyped activities for the elderly that seem condescending and demeaning. The elderly deliver their message effectively as the sports event gets cancelled in the meantime.
The themes of love and loss were demonstrated by the journal and the letters between Arthur and Kobayashi's family. Alexander's story highlights how settling in a new environment can be a lot of hustle, especially when it is a shared space. Alexander's story captures the essence of living a dignified life, more so for people who need assisted care for their daily living activities. Shirley brings in humour, which lights up the moment at the community hall. I found myself laughing out loud at her dark humour.
Mark Fletcher has done a great job depicting the stress of the elderly as their body functions deteriorate and the downside of having to be handled by others. Thomas, a resident at the nursing home, really does put it into perspective when he tells the nursing home manager the answer to her first question on the form about his demeanour is 'humiliated'.
The intent of the book is perfectly conveyed, and the book, although fictional, has so much to it that makes the reading seem lively and realistic, like the songs and poems, the confessions, and #OldPeopleVote. There's absolutely nothing that I dislike about it. I only came across two grammatical errors, and given that the book is over a hundred pages, it's proof that editing was done. This book deserves a rating of a full5 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to caregivers and the administrators of hospices and nursing homes because of the insight in it from the perspective of their clients. This book would also cheer up anyone who is in the final moments of life.
******
Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords