Review of Not Dead Yet
Posted: 23 Jun 2024, 02:50
[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Dead Yet" by Mark Fletcher.]
Mark Fletcher's Not Dead Yet isn't your typical collection of short stories. It pulls back the curtain on a life that most people in our society try to forget or ignore—life in a nursing home. But Fletcher doesn't dwell on illness or decline. Rather, the author creates a rich tapestry of the people themselves and suggests that perhaps age is nothing more than a number, and the thirst for life burns brightly even in its twilight years. The book is an interwoven collage of characters sharing their individual oddities and ambitions. There's Elsie, who craves just one last rollercoaster ride; Thomas has a secret love of ballet; Frank and Douglas find a tender love story blossoming in their autumn years. Through these characters, Fletcher confronts ageism, showing how society often views the elderly as a monolithic group, ignoring the diverse range of desires and personalities that exist beneath the surface.
The author's ability to combine comedy with poignancy is quite impressive. Shirley's charmingly inappropriate jokes will make you laugh, and then you'll be in tears over a story of loss or the simple joy of shared memories. With their flaws and aspirations on full view, the characters feel authentic. Their victories will seem like your own, and you'll find yourself cheering them on. The book doesn't sugarcoat the realities of growing old. We witness the anguish of being abandoned by family members, the fear of fading memory, and the frustration of dependence. Fletcher's characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. They are witty, relatable, and unforgettable. The book reminds us that happiness and meaning may be found at any age by celebrating life and the resilience of the human spirit. The laughter and tears flow freely throughout the stories, making for a well-rounded reading experience.
I found only two minor errors in the book, but they weren't significant enough to deduct any stars. Since there was nothing else I disliked, it truly deserves a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Not Dead Yet is a heartwarming and intellectually stimulating book for everyone who has ever experienced marginalisation or who just wants to learn more about ageing. It's a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a discussion starter about societal issues and the importance of cherishing our later years. If you're searching for a feel-good book with a dose of realism, this is for you.
******
Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Mark Fletcher's Not Dead Yet isn't your typical collection of short stories. It pulls back the curtain on a life that most people in our society try to forget or ignore—life in a nursing home. But Fletcher doesn't dwell on illness or decline. Rather, the author creates a rich tapestry of the people themselves and suggests that perhaps age is nothing more than a number, and the thirst for life burns brightly even in its twilight years. The book is an interwoven collage of characters sharing their individual oddities and ambitions. There's Elsie, who craves just one last rollercoaster ride; Thomas has a secret love of ballet; Frank and Douglas find a tender love story blossoming in their autumn years. Through these characters, Fletcher confronts ageism, showing how society often views the elderly as a monolithic group, ignoring the diverse range of desires and personalities that exist beneath the surface.
The author's ability to combine comedy with poignancy is quite impressive. Shirley's charmingly inappropriate jokes will make you laugh, and then you'll be in tears over a story of loss or the simple joy of shared memories. With their flaws and aspirations on full view, the characters feel authentic. Their victories will seem like your own, and you'll find yourself cheering them on. The book doesn't sugarcoat the realities of growing old. We witness the anguish of being abandoned by family members, the fear of fading memory, and the frustration of dependence. Fletcher's characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. They are witty, relatable, and unforgettable. The book reminds us that happiness and meaning may be found at any age by celebrating life and the resilience of the human spirit. The laughter and tears flow freely throughout the stories, making for a well-rounded reading experience.
I found only two minor errors in the book, but they weren't significant enough to deduct any stars. Since there was nothing else I disliked, it truly deserves a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Not Dead Yet is a heartwarming and intellectually stimulating book for everyone who has ever experienced marginalisation or who just wants to learn more about ageing. It's a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a discussion starter about societal issues and the importance of cherishing our later years. If you're searching for a feel-good book with a dose of realism, this is for you.
******
Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords