Mosse’s account of caring for a succession of older relatives is a quietly inspirational read, told with humility, wit and optimism by one of our finest historical novelists.
As our population ages, more and more of us find ourselves caring for parents and loved ones – some 8.8 million people in the UK. An invisible army of carers holding families together.
Here, Kate Mosse tells her personal story of finding herself as a carer in middle age: first, helping her mother look after her beloved father through Parkinson's, then supporting her mother in widowhood, and finally as 'an extra pair of hands' for her 90-year-old mother-in-law.
This is a story about the gentle heroism of our carers, about small everyday acts of tenderness, and finding joy in times of crisis. It's about juggling priorities, mind-numbing repetition, about guilt and powerlessness, about grief, and the solace of nature when we're exhausted or at a loss. It is also about celebrating older people, about learning to live differently – and think differently about ageing. But most of all, it's a story about love.
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781788162623
Number of pages: 208
Weight: 169 g
Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 18 mm
Edition: Main
Brilliant ... uplifting, inspiring, a tribute to love - Elif Shafak, Guardian
Heartfelt and sometimes shocking ... Fierce and tender, her book is a clarion call for an overhaul of our dysfunctional care system - Must Read Paperbacks, Daily Mail
A beautiful, profoundly moving book about society's most vital glue - care - Rachel Clarke
A must read - Penny Wincer
Essential reading - Madeleine Bunting
I read it in one sitting - Christie Watson
Moving - Book of the Day, Guardian
An incisive, profoundly humane blend of the personal and the political - Gwendolyn Smith, The i
A beautiful, emotional and timely read - Matt Haig
A beacon of light - Nicci Gerrard
Keep the tissues handy. 10/10 - Independent
Shot through with honesty, heartbreak and joy. I loved it - Adam Kay
Timely - Observer
Lifts the spirits without pulling punches - Ian Rankin
Irresistible - Rachel Joyce
This book will be a huge help to both carers and the cared-for - Deborah Moggach
Extraordinary - Catherine Meyer
Wonderful ... uplifting and hopeful - Cathy Rentzenbrink
A heartfelt reminder of why people become carers - Kate Saunders, Times
Moving - Book of the Month, Martin Chilton, Independent
An ode to the invisible army of carers holding families together - Reaction
Mosse writes movingly about returning the caring favour and the end that waits for us all - 50 Best Summer Books, Times
Timely and important - The Oldie
Utterly beautiful - honest, tender, and uplifting - Francesca Segal
A beautiful book. I read this in one go, unable to put down. Such love and compassion on every page. The care and love given to those “rich in years” is wonderful. Every carer should read this to show they are not... More
A very special book, more so at this crazy time of the covid pandemic.
This was heart breaking but so beautifully written.
I understand the emotions behind this book as I was a long time carer for my mum and she...
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A wonderfully written book by Kate Mosse and a must for those who have ever been in a caring role especially with ageing parents.
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