Amelia's grandmother Selma is starting to show signs of senility, and so the family decides she must be moved to a care-home. As Selma's health declines, Amelia fights feelings of guilt about her grandma, while trying to cope with other problems in her life: her fiance wants to leave her for another woman, and her mother is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

I had high hopes of this, having enjoyed Frozen Music, which was written afterwards. Also, I think this book won some prizes, or was shortlisted on Richard & Judy, or something. Anyway, I thought it was going to be good. But it was a bit disappointing - the story had potential, with Amelia trying to juggle her problems and keep everyone else happy, but I don't think the potential was realized.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the way that senility was dealt with by Elizabeth Jane Howard - admittedly that was more from the point of view of the sufferer than those looking after her - but this didn't have the same force. It was an OK read but nothing special.

Completed : 17-Mar-2008 (audiobook, read by Juliet Stevenson)