Elizabeth is Missing, by Emma Healey

An enchanting book which tackles a sensitive topic with delicacy and warmth.

In the opening, the story's narrator, Maud, appears to be obsessed with buying tinned peaches, making toast and writing reminders to herself. When she confuses people and words, we realise that she has dementia.

The plot is cleverly structured as Maud's current preoccupations are mixed with her memories. We follow our unreliable narrator whilst she plays detective but also become caught up in her concerns.

In the present time, Maud is trying to work out why her friend, Elizabeth, is not at home. In the post World War Two period, when Maud was growing up, her family also had to deal with her sister Sukey's disappearance. Secrets surrounding Sukey's husband (Frank), a lodger in the family home (Douglas), and a local mad woman, puzzle Maud and intrigue us as readers.

There are well-researched details, such as barbed wire left on beaches after the war, bombed houses and Frank's shady, black market dealings. Maud's matchbox chest of collected bits of insects, pieces of wallpaper and a fingernail, which she's kept because they might be traces of her sister, is another poignant detail.

There's a guilty pleasure to be had in enjoying Maud's mishaps, which prevent the book from becoming too dark.

We become aware of Maud's daughter Helen's exasperation and impatience with her mother's strange behaviour. Yet, evidence of her obvious care and concern for her mother brings added warmth to the story.

This is a book of layers. Memories are revealed bit by bit, becoming tangled and connected. For the reader, there is a gradual uncovering and clarity, even though Maud's condition is sadly irreversible. 

Emma Healey's first novel is a remarkable, fresh and creative attempt at giving us increased empathy and understanding of someone living with dementia.

Review by Catherine Armitstead

This book can be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.