Customer Reviews

CODA

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The title "Coda", the elderly man racing in a wheelchair on the cover, and the newspaper articles preceding each section of the tryptich describing grannie and grandpa dumping, i.e. leaving confused elderly in public places, hoping someone will find them and care for them is how the book grabbed this reader's attention and it did not let up until the very end. Even then, the reader is dazed from the depth, complexity, and family relationships covered within 188 pages of the book. The subject is highly relevant. It is written with sensitivity, creativity, frequent humor, deep seriousness and wit.

Thea Astley describes the ordinairy life of the charming elderly lady Kathleen Hackendorf from the first person viewpoint. She is an Australian lady who raised two children, a son and daughter, who are successful in their respective fields and who married and had children of their own. Kathleen has an elderly good friend Daisy with whom she shares intimacies and has get-togethers for coffee and cake but who dies suddenly and unexpectedly. Kathleen is gradually becoming senile ... and forgetful. Her children have tried letting her live with them alternately but this option is fraught with problems. They are forced to make serious decisions on her behalf for her well being. Modern life is revealed in twisted complexity. This novel has wonderful imagery, ironic humor, and biting reality. It is highly worth reading and pondering.
Erika Borsos (erikab93)