Rosemary, Now and Then is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles the author’s experience caring for her mother, Rosemary, through the labyrinth of strokes and dementia. This story is about resilience, love, and finding moments of humor and grace amid decline. The book paints an intimate portrait of a woman whose vibrant personality and sharp wit remain luminous despite her fading health. It delves into the challenges of caregiving, the philosophical reflections on mortality, and the surprising gifts of dementia, offering readers an unexpectedly uplifting perspective on life’s inevitable final chapter.

The writing is unflinchingly honest and emotionally raw, yet it’s peppered with humor that keeps the tone buoyant. One moment that stood out to me was when Rosemary, in the throes of a stroke-induced episode, commented on walking backward into a wall, comparing it to her mother’s wringer washer. It’s poignant and hilarious, a testament to Larson’s ability to capture the absurdity and humanity of such situations. These anecdotes keep the narrative personal and relatable, transforming it from a clinical account into a deeply human story.

I particularly appreciated Larson’s exploration of dementia not as a linear descent but as a reorganization of memories and self. Rosemary’s “mental excursions” into her past and imagined realms are described with a mystical reverence that challenges the stigma surrounding cognitive disorders. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the hard truths of caregiving, from burnt meals to late-night hospital runs. It also highlights the transformative power of love, like Larson’s determination to honor her mother’s wishes to maintain her dignity and humor to the very end.

One of my favorite sections was the rehabilitation episodes, especially Rosemary’s knack for connecting with strangers at the rehab center. The way she toasted “to the witnesses” at lunch, a subtle nod to Longfellow’s poem about slavery, demonstrated her sharp intellect and enduring sense of justice. It’s these moments of depth and insight that elevate the book from being just a caregiving memoir to a broader reflection on life’s interconnectedness and the enduring strength of character.

Rosemary, Now and Then is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that will resonate with anyone who has cared for a loved one through illness or who is curious about the interplay between life, death, and memory. Larson’s storytelling is warm and conversational, making complex topics accessible and relatable. I’d recommend this book to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a profound yet uplifting exploration of the human condition.

Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0DQLNNFQN