Readalong Book Review – The Michaelmas Daisy by Paul Marriner – @KellyALacey@lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #ReadAlong #LBTReadAlong

This book is full of heartwarming moments, but it’s also a tearjerker – so keep that box of tissues at hand. I could relate to so much of it that it was a little hard to get through, honestly. If you’re like me, make it an extra large box of tissues and be prepared to take breaks as necessary. But it’s one of those books I don’t regret reading one bit, no matter how emotionally taxing it was. The author dedicates it to people like me – caregivers – who spend their days making sure other people’s needs are met, and it felt like a novel-length love letter to us.

About the Book

The Michaelmas Daisy: a contemporary story of loneliness, loyalty, love, finding new friends, and hope.

Beverley may be dead, but that doesn’t make it any easier to let go. She watches over her husband and daughter, sharing their pain, laughter, fears and dreams. As she watches, memories of her own life and love for her husband bring comfort and tears in equal measure.

Her daughter, Philippa (58, divorced), looks after her ailing father. She does so willingly, but caring for him 24/7 takes great patience and compassion, and such devotion is isolating.

Into their home comes Kaska (39). She provides respite care, brings kindness and energy, and helps Philippa realise it’s ok to still want some life of her own.

As her father’s condition worsens, Philippa’s dedication is tested to the full and difficult choices are necessary.

The Michaelmas Daisy: written in honour of those in need of care, and those who care for them.

My Thoughts

I am one of those very lucky “sandwich” generation caregivers. I have a wonderful, beautiful daughter with autism. Even though she has low support needs, I have to carry her to various appointments and therapies each week. My dad, like the MMC in this book, has vascular dementia, though he is nowhere near as far along, necessitating various therapies and appointments frequently. We were told he wouldn’t forget our name, which is a small comfort. Each time the MMC in the book told his daughter, “I know you,” my eyes teared up.

The cast of supporting characters grew from zero to a delightful, zany crew. Seeing their heart for Philippa’s father was beautiful. The journey with the characters is worth taking, but it is not easy. So buckle up and take it in hand for a truly life-changing experience.

I feel honored the author and LBT chose me to participate in this read-along, and I look forward to reading more of the author’s offerings.

Who’s It For?

If you are a caregiver, this book is a love letter to the service you provide to those you care for each day. Beyond that, the author recognizes the service you provide to the entire healthcare system and society as a whole. Without the valuable services you (we) provide, these systems would have to do a great deal more. And, if you’re not a caregiver yourself, this is still a powerful read because you know someone who is, who has a caregiver, or who will be or need one at some point. Caregiving affects all of us directly and indirectly. This book will make you appreciate that so much, and if you are a caregiver, it will help you recognize that you are not alone.

Content Warnings: Death, Chronic Illness, Dementia, Medical Trauma, Dying, Divorce, Family Drama/Dysfunction, Adult Language/Situations, Drug/Alcohol Abuse. This is not meant to serve as a complete list of subjects that individuals may find potentially bothersome.

Question of the Day

Do you believe that your loved ones are watching over you after they pass?

Answer of the Day

This is one of those things I often say to make us feel better. My mom died 3 months after my daughter was born. But the extent to which I really believe she is actually watching waxes and wanes. It can be hard to believe she’s actually there – but the idea definitely makes me feel better.

About the Author

Paul grew up in a west London suburb (not unlike the suburbs in which his book – Miracle Number Four – is based) and now lives in Berkshire. Married with two children, he is passionate about music, sport and, most of all, writing, on which he now concentrates full-time. Paul has written five novels and his primary literary ambition is that you enjoy reading them while he is hard at work on the next one (but still finding time to play drums).