Hi there. My neighbour was recently moved into a care home – she is 95 and was not able to take care of herself any more. She’s recently started showing signs of dementia. I drop in and visit her once a week, but it’s been increasingly difficult to have long conversations with her. Last weekend, she asked me to read her some of the short stories she had written a few years ago (they were very sweet stories about her growing up) and she was really focused while I was reading. Her mood was much better after too.
I’d like to read to her again in the weekend when I go back to visit her and was looking for some recommendations (I don’t think she’d be interested in any of the sci-fi I’m currently reading). For context, she’s has an objectively interesting life: born in London to Russian parents, evacuated during the blitz to live in New York, married three times and has been living here in Sweden since the 1980’s.
Would love some suggestions.
by Rubber_Plant_Leaf
2 Comments
That’s such a beautiful thing you’re doing — reading to her sounds like a real act of kindness. You might actually enjoy Until I Found You by Khalid Hatem. It’s not heavy or complicated, but it carries a lot of warmth. The story follows two people who meet again later in life after losing so much, rediscovering love and comfort in simple, quiet moments. It’s emotional in a soft way — the kind of book that reminds you how memory and connection can still bring light even when time feels heavy.
You should consider asking her if there are stories from her youth she would like to hear again – I’m thinking stuff like Nancy Drew, although I’m sure she will have something different given her background. Short, easy, enjoyable, with a good simple plot. Good on you.