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Coda: A Dementia Love Song: Read and Burn
This memoir offers lyrical insight into living with dementia, the unexpected joys to be found even in difficult times, and the way that our society deals with death.
A poetic and poignant final letter to a loved-one, Coda will resonate with carers, partners, indeed with human beings seeking escape into a deeply personal world where small details matter.
Coda is brave. It is honest. It is, at times, humorous. Above all, it is powerful. Once read, it will stay with you forever...
A poetic and poignant final letter to a loved-one, Coda will resonate with carers, partners, indeed with human beings seeking escape into a deeply personal world where small details matter.
Coda is brave. It is honest. It is, at times, humorous. Above all, it is powerful. Once read, it will stay with you forever...
102 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 2, 2026
This book is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Ken comes across as a very determined person right to the end. I liked the portrayal of his strong opinions and the parts where he experienced frustration but never gave up. I felt as if I'd been invited to share in beautiful, intimate moments of their lives together and it warmed my heart that they both clearly loved each other. The short punchy sentences worked well and made it feel poetic in style. It was a privilege to read this amazing book.
May 5, 2026
This short book by author Chris Malone is a personal memoir of the challenges, stresses and occasional uplifting moments as her husband descended into dementia.
The account unflinchingly describes the physical difficulties and indignities affecting patient and carer. It also shows us how carers must learn new skills to manage the patient’s condition and daily routine and to avoid words or actions that might aggravate their distress and frustration. There are several uplifting moments, such as finding lost objects and memories unexpectedly recalled.
A surprising revelation is the shortcomings in end-of-life care and support. Chris describes her husband’s final admission to hospital lasting, thankfully, a few hours, which could have stretched into weeks or months. Some staff were sensitive and empathetic; others were abrupt and unresponsive to Chris and her husband’s immediate needs. While this is one couple’s experience, it suggests a surprising lack of training, management and possibly staff vetting within the NHS. This requires immediate attention. Families should not have to cope with these problems in addition to their loved ones’ problems.
This is a book not only for those dealing with dementia and its consequences. It demonstrates the need for families to plan for the eventuality and consider how they would deal with it.
The account unflinchingly describes the physical difficulties and indignities affecting patient and carer. It also shows us how carers must learn new skills to manage the patient’s condition and daily routine and to avoid words or actions that might aggravate their distress and frustration. There are several uplifting moments, such as finding lost objects and memories unexpectedly recalled.
A surprising revelation is the shortcomings in end-of-life care and support. Chris describes her husband’s final admission to hospital lasting, thankfully, a few hours, which could have stretched into weeks or months. Some staff were sensitive and empathetic; others were abrupt and unresponsive to Chris and her husband’s immediate needs. While this is one couple’s experience, it suggests a surprising lack of training, management and possibly staff vetting within the NHS. This requires immediate attention. Families should not have to cope with these problems in addition to their loved ones’ problems.
This is a book not only for those dealing with dementia and its consequences. It demonstrates the need for families to plan for the eventuality and consider how they would deal with it.
April 29, 2026
A heartbreakingly beautiful memoir that it is, in essence, an epic love story. Written with humour and raw honesty, but also filled with sublime poetry. It's a tribute to the invisible army of home carers that live all around us. Chris Malone left me awestruck at her courage and patience, but also bereft for the late, great Ken. I think the world needs more Kens...
It also left me strangely uplifted and resolved to grab real happiness whenever I can.
It also left me strangely uplifted and resolved to grab real happiness whenever I can.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews