My Review of Christoph Fischer's
"Time to Let Go"
My Review:
A Book Written from the Heart
The bitter-sweet title of this novel says it all. But when should one; how does one let go of a loved one?
Christoph Fischer's newest, fourth, novel deals with the difficult subject of a grown woman suddenly confronted by her aged parents' frailties; they are both in their eighties. To compound her re-entry into her parents lives is the onset of Alzheimer's Disease in her mother who has turned into an uncomprehending childlike dependent. The father tries to cope with the loss of his wife's companionship by overriding medical
advice and adhering to his own 'common sense.' Inevitably, his stubborn ideas clash with those of his worldly daughter, herself emotionally struggling with a traumatic recent event.
This is a heart-wrenching and timely book, as many of today's already overtaxed professionals find themselves pushed into a bewildering one-sided relationship with a changed parent for which they are ill-prepared.
Fischer begins with his trademark factual narration, then throws the reader into the jarring world of sudden confusion and responsibility. With great insight, he guides toward an understanding how these individuals try to bridge the abyss between their worlds suddenly brought to the fore by the loss of a wife and mother who no longer remembers that she was both so capably for the most part of her life.
This is Fischer's most approachable writing. As the novel unfolds, it becomes a very personal story, ending with great gentleness and eventual insight; the clock cannot be turned back - not even with love. The final understanding of the disease's inevitable progression, and tender care, are the only things left to the caretakers - in that, they must come together. It is time to let go.
A highly recommended book for everyone with a family.
