Review: Left by Mary Hogan

Genre:
Fiction

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
William Morrow Publishers

Release Date:
June 19, 2018







Synopsis from Goodreads:

In this beautifully crafted novel from the author of the critically-acclaimed Two Sisters, comes the story of a woman who retreats into a fantasy world on New York City’s Upper West Side as she slowly loses her once whip-smart husband to dementia—perfect for fans of Still Alice.

When life falls apart, a little fantasy goes a long way…

It started as a dream vacation in Spain, with Fay and Paul Agarra enjoying all the delights of a European holiday. A respected New York City judge, Paul has always been the man Fay can rely on, no matter what. When he inexplicably disappears from a Barcelona street corner, Fay knows something is terribly wrong. Once reunited, Paul shrugs off the episode as a simple misunderstanding—but Fay suspects her almost perfect life has taken a dark and sudden turn.

Soon there are more signs that Paul is beginning to change. Bouts of forgetfulness lead to mistakes in the courtroom. Simple tasks cause unexplainable outbursts of anger. Fay’s worst suspicions are realized when she learns her husband—her rock, her love, her everything—is succumbing to the ravages of dementia.

As her husband transforms before her very eyes, Fay copes with her fears by retreating into a fantasy life filled with promise instead of pain. In Fay’s invented world, she imagines herself living a glamorous life free from heartache, with a handsome neighbor she barely knows rescuing her from a future she can’t accept.

Poignant and beautifully crafted, Left is an unforgettable tale about life’s aching uncertainties—and a woman who discovers that somewhere between hope and reality, an unexpected future will find its way forward.

My Review

How could a beautiful trip to Spain with her husband turn so terrible? Fay Agarra is stunned when her husband Paul, a New York City judge, disappears leaving her alone on the streets of Spain. Paul would never just leave her like that. He is not that kind of man. After Paul is found by the police, he claims it was a misunderstanding. However, once they return home, Paul’s personality changes.

Fay fears that there is something terribly wrong with her husband. Fay tries to get help for Paul, but he denies he needs any. To get away from her fears, Fay builds a fantasy world for herself where everything is perfect.

This is a heartwarming, sad tale which takes a very realistic look into the world of dementia. My heart broke for Fay and Paul. Fay becomes Paul’s caregiver and their lives are changed forever. There are no magical cures.

I could certainly understand Fay’s need to escape into a fantasy world, but her fantasies kind of took me out of the story during those chapters. I wanted to know what the doctors were doing for Paul and how the couple was adjusting.

Overall, it’s a well-written love story and a quick read. The characters are all well-rounded and realistic. The only part I thought was a bit slow were the fantasy chapters, but the topic and characters all felt true-to-life to me.

Disclosure: I borrowed the e-book from my library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.