Turn of Mind (2011)

Dr. Jennifer White was a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon whose specialty was hands. She was forced to retire because of her dementia, and now she lives a quite life with her caretaker. Her children visit occasionally and have the power to take care of her finances and medical decisions. But her carefully constructed plan for easing her last days is disrupted when her best friend and down the street neighbor is murdered. Amanda was more than a friend to Jennifer--she was the godmother of her children, her confidante, the one who truly understood her. But could Jennifer herself have been involved in her murder?--after all, her fingers were cut off. This is the question that the police, Jennifer's children, her caretaker, and the reader all want to know the answer to. But since this story is told from Jennifer's point of view it is hard to get at the facts through the haze of dementia.
This was an excellent story, there is the element of it being a mystery where the reader is trying to guess who killed Amanda. But it is also a fascinating character study as the reader follows Jennifer's thoughts and memories. Her children, family, and friends all come across as vivid characters as well. I think this would make a great book for discussion groups who could discuss these strong characters and their secrets and associations, as well as the role that dementia plays in the book and the good or bad of secrets becoming uncovered. ( )

From my blog

It was suggested to me by Christa to read a summary of the book to see if I would enjoy the style of writing, I think this is the perfect idea to consider. Christa's review at Mental Foodie: A book and food lover blog.

The whole book is told from Dr. White's perspective, who has different stages of dementia and from journal entries from the other characters. They are simple paragraphs and having her as the unreliable narrator adds to the mystery. At times it doesn't make sense initially but also ties in together at the end. My favourite times is when she goes back to being an active physician, she was obviously respected in her work and the murder was a direct tie in with her profession also.

My dad has dementia and so reading this felt personal to me. I have read enough books to know this novel was genuine on what goes through the heads of victims to this harsh illness. Many times not making sense to the reader or Dr. White.

If you read mysteries you may not be surprised by the ending but I thought it was executed well in this style.

The relationship of Dr. White with her son, daughter and best friend was memorable. Mixed emotions with family drama, grief, loss, anger, humor and trust all surrounding her being the person of interest with the murder of her best friend. She is the one who can answer the questions unanswered but she doesn't remember, glimpse are clear but did it really happen.....

This was a great novel with a unreliable character with dementia.

I think Still Alice by Lisa Genova is the best novel for those interested in reading a book on Dementia/Alzheimers.

Favourite quotes

I've read enough about this disease to know that you can't predict the future by the past. It's like they say about parenting: Just when you think you've mastered it, everything changes. 22 % on Kindle

My plots are simple: Walk to the door. Wait until no one is looking. Open the door. Leave. Go home. Bar the front entrance against all comers. 62% on Kindle ( )

This is more of a 3.5-star review because of the ending. I loved the story from Jennifer's perspective, although at times, it was heartbreaking. ( )

I could not put it down! ( )

3.5 stars ( )