We don't usually think of dementia as a secondary topic for a novel but Buffalo Lockjaw by Greg Ames provides an exception. A first novel for Mr. Ames, published in April 2009 by Hyperion, tells the story of James Fitzroy returning to his hometown of Buffalo, NY during a chilling winter.
Waiting for James were all the local people who stayed behind but most importantly his parents: his mother, has taken a turn for the worse in her dementia and his father who is coping with her illness and the fact that she is in a nursing home.
The story is really a "coming of age" tale with dementia as a backdrop. For all of us as dementia caregivers, the story is all too familiar: heartbreaking moments mixed with comedic relief. James had left Buffalo years before to escape an unfulfilled life (so he thought) but here he is back again, forced to grow up and face life, dementia style.
If you are looking for a moving story that will make you feel right at home with your own struggles with dementia, this is a novel for you. The aspects of dementia care that James faces are true to life.
You can learn more about this book by visiting www.buffalolockjaw.com. If you have read it, please let us know your thoughts!
You would not believe how happy I am to find your site. My Wife's Grandmother was an Alzheimer's victim. Her Mother is now fighting it and we recently found that my Wife is also in the first stages of Dementia/Alzheimer's. It is great to find someone blogging on the topic/subject. I will be stopping by as time allows.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
Posted by: David Schantz | June 14, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Hi David: You are definitely a caregiver who needs support with the family history on your wife's side. So sorry to hear of your struggles.
Glad you found the blog and I look forward to hearing more from you as you see fit.
Thanks so much for writing!
Sue
Posted by: Sue | June 15, 2009 at 09:54 PM