I picked up Left Neglected because something about the cover really spoke to me. I kept reading about it and seeing it in several places. I was worried it would be depressing and I am really trying to stay away from sad books lately.
While it was a sad story, the book wasn’t depressing at all. It was told in the matter-of-fact manner of the main character. And I think I related the story somewhat because many parts of her life are just like mine.
In the end, I loved the novel. It was sad but not dramatic. It felt like normal life and things were not tied with a bow at the end but enough things resolved that I felt fulfilled and not shortchanged and I also didn’t feel like it’s was super-happy (which would have felt unrealistic). I really enjoyed the author’s style as well. It was easy to read and I kept wanting to pick up the book and read more.
I know she’s written Still Alice but I am told that one’s too depressing so I will just wait for future novels from her and hope they are more like this one.
I just finished “Left Neglected” also and like you enjoyed it, but—“Still Alice” is even better. I encourage you to read it; I found it to be a really interesting look inside a family.
Cheri, isn’t that book much sadder? I don’t want to read anything sad for now 🙂
I guess that it IS sad in that the main character does not have a “good” resolution at the end of the book, but that is pretty well known from the first page. I guess I thought it was more insightful and offered a different way to look at (and respond to)Alzheimers. Overall I probably related to it better because I am no longer a young mother juggling home, career, family but a member of the sandwich generation struggling to deal with aging parents. Anyway, I understand your reluctance to invite saddness into your life right now; just keep it in mind “if ever” you need a book on this topic.
I will add it to my list and make sure to read it when i am super-happy 🙂