Review of Not Dead Yet
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Review of Not Dead Yet
[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Dead Yet" by Mark Fletcher.]
Mark Fletcher’s collection of short tales, Not Dead Yet: Stories From the Last Stop, looks at the lives of people in an elderly care home. By investigating this book in greater depth, Fletcher encourages readers to observe these often-forgotten individuals' complexity, humor, and fragility through emotional vignettes. From the very first story, Fletcher hooks our hearts with fictitious tales set in an elderly care institution. These inhabitants are not only “waiting to die”; they have full lives, complicated emotions, and tales worth telling. The novel blends stand-alone storylines, although recurrent characters create consistency.
Fletcher’s ability to construct fully-formed characters in such a small area is extraordinary. The stories touch on love, politics, loneliness, and more, all from the perspective of the residents and occasionally the staff. As a healthcare professional, I found these stories resonating emotionally, reminding us that these residents are not simply numbers but humans who deserve respect and dignity.
Although the book resonated with me on a significant level, I did not enjoy the fact that there were times when there could have been more description, but there wasn't. The identities of several individuals remained unknown, which piqued my curiosity about their beginnings and goals. Furthermore, a handful of the stories had a sense of haste, and they did not have the emotional impact that they should have had. Possibly, this could have been rectified by doing a more in-depth examination of the lives of certain people. All of this, however, did not prevent the book from being memorable to me on a personal level.
One character that stuck out for me was Elsie. Her longing to ride a rollercoaster represents the unmet hopes and yearnings that continue even in old age. Elsie’s courage and drive struck my heart. Additionally, the tale of Frank and Douglas’s unexpected love affair was effectively told. Their bond transcended conventional standards and highlighted the eternal strength of human connection. Fletcher’s ability to elicit empathy for these individuals is outstanding.
I suggest Not Dead Yet to anybody seeking poignant stories that challenge misconceptions about aging. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a family member, or simply curious about the human experience, this book will make an impact. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its sympathetic portrayal of aging lives and the lesson that every individual, regardless of age, has a story worth sharing. While I yearned for more follow-up on recurrent individuals, the effect of these stories lingers, challenging us to delve past the surface and actually “see” the senior population. I like the depth and empathy with which Mark Fletcher portrays the lives of elderly people in the book. This book also serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of age, has a story worth telling.
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Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Mark Fletcher’s collection of short tales, Not Dead Yet: Stories From the Last Stop, looks at the lives of people in an elderly care home. By investigating this book in greater depth, Fletcher encourages readers to observe these often-forgotten individuals' complexity, humor, and fragility through emotional vignettes. From the very first story, Fletcher hooks our hearts with fictitious tales set in an elderly care institution. These inhabitants are not only “waiting to die”; they have full lives, complicated emotions, and tales worth telling. The novel blends stand-alone storylines, although recurrent characters create consistency.
Fletcher’s ability to construct fully-formed characters in such a small area is extraordinary. The stories touch on love, politics, loneliness, and more, all from the perspective of the residents and occasionally the staff. As a healthcare professional, I found these stories resonating emotionally, reminding us that these residents are not simply numbers but humans who deserve respect and dignity.
Although the book resonated with me on a significant level, I did not enjoy the fact that there were times when there could have been more description, but there wasn't. The identities of several individuals remained unknown, which piqued my curiosity about their beginnings and goals. Furthermore, a handful of the stories had a sense of haste, and they did not have the emotional impact that they should have had. Possibly, this could have been rectified by doing a more in-depth examination of the lives of certain people. All of this, however, did not prevent the book from being memorable to me on a personal level.
One character that stuck out for me was Elsie. Her longing to ride a rollercoaster represents the unmet hopes and yearnings that continue even in old age. Elsie’s courage and drive struck my heart. Additionally, the tale of Frank and Douglas’s unexpected love affair was effectively told. Their bond transcended conventional standards and highlighted the eternal strength of human connection. Fletcher’s ability to elicit empathy for these individuals is outstanding.
I suggest Not Dead Yet to anybody seeking poignant stories that challenge misconceptions about aging. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a family member, or simply curious about the human experience, this book will make an impact. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its sympathetic portrayal of aging lives and the lesson that every individual, regardless of age, has a story worth sharing. While I yearned for more follow-up on recurrent individuals, the effect of these stories lingers, challenging us to delve past the surface and actually “see” the senior population. I like the depth and empathy with which Mark Fletcher portrays the lives of elderly people in the book. This book also serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of age, has a story worth telling.
******
Not Dead Yet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Break up with him now by Lena Lubinka
