Camberley Library Morning Reading Group. The book is an accurate, and often depressing, portrayal of dementia AND THUS WE WOULD ADVISE CAUTION BEFORE READING/RECOMMENDING/GIFTING IT. However we feel the book should be essential reading for all professional carers, and those who are dismissive of sufferers. It is a crime novel reminiscent of Mike Haddon’s ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ (but less endearing). Only 275 pages long, it is a small, page-turning, masterpiece. The unreliable narrator is Maud, an 82-year-old with dementia. She is trying to make sense of both her childhood and the present day, in order to solve two mysteries. As the story unfolds, her condition deteriorates and as such it is deliberately misleading. How much does Maud know? Was she involved? Should her ramblings be taken seriously? The novel has flaws including unrealistic events and romanticism of the protagonist, but as with most fiction you have to suspend belief so we overlooked these

"Mum, you don't live here, anymore." At times, “Elizabeth is Missing” is almost an unbearable read, to the extent that the plot, which is so often the source of tension in fiction, in this novel offers some relief from the sheer going-on of daily life and the almost unremitting mental deterioration of Maud Horsham, the main character and narrator. Maud, in her early eighties, has what looks like mid-stage Alzheimer’s Disease and is increasingly troubled by – as she sees it – the disappearance of her friend, Elizabeth, a disappearance that is very closely associated for Maud with the disappearance when she was a girl in post-Second World War England of Suki, her older sister. While not rivaling an Agatha Christie narrator who turns out to be the murderer, Maud’s account of her search for Elizabeth is frequently but not always unreliable. She makes notes but these are a painful parody of a detective’s notes because they add to her confusion and make even sharper the contrast with Mau

Joyful and artful. Having been told that either half can be read first I ended up reading the whole book twice. The two halves are not predictably interwoven and each perspective is plausible and uplifting. The book addresses parenting, loss, compassion and, indeed, how to be both. Recommended.

Recommended. An interesting view of how Alzheimer's affects short term memory and family relationships. Funny and sad at the same time.

This book generated a lot of discussion not least because many of our group are older. We found it interesting and felt sadness at the heroine's circumstances. We liked the way the author kept her family at a distance while she had memory problems, as an example of the isolation people with dementia etc suffer from. The murder element of the story became exciting as the story developed. The author's technique was clever as she drew you into the isolation of her own private world.

I was so frustrated with this book and struggled understand all the rave reviews. I know I should respect other people's religion but Ian's unshakeable faith to the point where he puts religious meetings before his own family, the mental bullying to make zippy accompany her mum to the mortuary when she clearly didn't want to, of Al to go and clean the church, he made me so cross and irritated. This wasn't for me, with respect and apologies to everyone who loved it only a two star.

Extremely well written with some beautiful descriptions. A realistic portrayal of family life in 1960’s Ireland. There are hidden depths to novel multi-layered, thought provoking writing. It is a study of the emotions of a family living through the bereavement of the husband and father. It describes the development of ‘Nora’ and the journey she takes to becoming an independent person after her husband’s death. At the same time there is a growing awareness by the family of the current political situation ie Irish Troubles in the 1960’s. Lots to discuss. Wide ranging opinions in the group. Rated 7/10 Horley reading group

Reading Group review. I found it rather disappointing. Having read Toibin's 'Testament of Mary', which was brilliant and thought-provoking and made a real impression on me, this novel didn't reach the same heights. It is, nevertheless, well-written and clearly parts of it are autobiographical, but it lacks passion and it is a little pedestrian.

Absolutely brilliant book by an obviously brilliant surgeon - not surprised it is on the Best Seller List.

Extraordinary book. Wonderfully evocative, poetic writing, so many connections made between smaller events and their wider significance. Amazingly perceptive, deeply personal and honest account of the grieving process which resonated with me. She explores the "archaeology of grief". Very interesting biographical information about the novelist T H White, also author of "The Goshawk". The subject of hawking was new to me but I found it very compelling reading. The history, terminology, mythology and moral issues are all explored. Highly recommended.