TL;DR
'Still Alice' is a poignant novel about a Harvard professor's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's, exploring her struggle to maintain identity and relationships as her memory deteriorates.
What is Still Alice about
'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova is a deeply moving story about Alice Howland, a Harvard professor specializing in cognitive psychology and linguistics, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of fifty. The novel delves into Alice's internal and external battles as she tries to come to terms with her diagnosis, the impact it has on her career, her relationships with her family, and her sense of self. The story is inspired by real-life experiences and offers a profound and empathetic portrayal of living with Alzheimer's.
Still Alice 7 Key Takeaways
Introduction to Alice Howland
Alice Howland is a 50-year-old Harvard professor of cognitive psychology and linguistics. She's at the peak of her career, with a successful husband and three grown children.
Early Symptoms
Alice begins experiencing unusual forgetfulness and disorientation. Initially, she dismisses these incidents as benign but soon realizes they could indicate something more serious.
Diagnosis
Alice is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This life-altering diagnosis forces her to confront the reality of her diminishing cognitive abilities.
Impact on Family
The diagnosis significantly affects Alice's relationship with her family. Her husband and children struggle with the news, each coping in their own way while trying to support Alice.
Struggle for Identity
As Alice's condition worsens, she battles to maintain her sense of self and independence. She devises strategies to cope with daily life but finds them increasingly ineffective.
Living in the Moment
Despite the decline, Alice finds moments of clarity and purpose. She lives day by day, cherishing small victories and the love of her family.
Legacy and Acceptance
As Alice becomes more dependent, her family learns to see her in new ways. They strive to hold on to the essence of who Alice was while accepting who she has become.
Top Still Alice Quotes
- 'I am not suffering. I am struggling. Struggling to be a part of things, to stay connected to who I once was.'
- 'I have no control over which yesterdays I keep and which ones get deleted.'
- 'It's about living in the moment, right now, because that's all you have.'
Who should read Still Alice?
'Still Alice' is ideal for readers interested in medical fiction, particularly those looking to understand Alzheimer's disease through a personal and emotional lens. It's also suited for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, offering insights into the condition's impact on both patients and their loved ones.
Still Alice Best Reviews
- 'Remarkable ... illuminating ... highly relevant today' - Daily Mail
- 'The most accurate account of what it feels like to be inside the mind of an Alzheimer's patient I've ever read. Beautifully written and very illuminating' - Rosie Boycot
- 'Utterly brilliant' - Chrissy Iley
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Still Alice FAQs
Is the book 'Still Alice' a true story?
While 'Still Alice' is a work of fiction, it was inspired by real-life experiences, including the author's observations and her grandmother's battle with Alzheimer's.
Why is 'Still Alice' a good book?
'Still Alice' is well-written, thoroughly researched, and poignantly conveys the struggles of living with early-onset Alzheimer's, making it a deeply moving and educational read.
What is the main point of 'Still Alice'?
The main point of 'Still Alice' is to highlight the personal and familial impact of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, exploring themes of identity, memory, and resilience.