Requiem for the status quo by Irene Francis Olson is a very good novel about a family and their journey as their elderly father becomes increasingly forgetful and is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The many trials and tribulations are presented in such a way that in many parts of the story the novel feels like non-fiction. The information presented about denial, support groups, financial strains, and housing challenges related to Alzheimer’s are all dealt with by this family. Unfortunately my mother died of Alzheimer’s several years ago and I would have really appreciated a novel like this as my family was struggling with the immense challenges of this disease. What I found exceptional about this novel was that in the context of all the information presented there is also a story of friendship, love, and dedication. I would recommend this novel to all. If you are not directly affected by Alzheimer’s you must certainly will have a friend or colleague whose family will be affected. I would like to thank the author, Black Rose Writing and netgalley for allowing me to read Requiem for the status quo in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free reader's copy of this title, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a heartfelt tribute both to those afflicted with dementia, and those caring for them. I liked the very personal and vulnerable way the main caregiver told her story, and it gave me valuable insight into ways to cope with this illness in my extended family. Not all of the book is as successful, for example some of the brief passages where another character interjects with their thoughts are confusing, and specifically the brother of the main character is not very well drawn. Nevertheless, I warmly recommend this book, as it reads true to life, and helps the reader gain understanding of an illness that is becoming more and more widespread.