The Holy Dusters: Fragments

by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson

In seven fragments, Judith Wermuth-Atkinson looks at the stories of old people from different societies and cultures of our time – from England to New England, Germany, India, and post-World War II Bulgaria. This is an appeal for attention to our attitudes toward the elderly. The author stresses that although "old age seems to be an inconvenience for many families, for society, and most certainly for the economics of any state" we should remember that "the old people of our time are also the creators of this time" and that "what the present represents for us was their project, their work - not just ours."

78 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2015

About the author

Dr. Judith Wermuth-Atkinson is a multi-lingual author and literature scholar. She has received her PhD from Columbia University where she has also been teaching courses on world literature, philosophy, and aesthetics. Previously, she has studied and taught in different countries in Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East. She writes poetry, essays, and creative non-fiction. In addition to her academic book "The Red Jester. Andrei Bely’s Petersburg as a Novel of the European Modern" (2012) she has also published a memoir, "Näher an die Ferne" [Closer to the Faraway] (1999), as well as essays on spiritual topics, a book of tales about old people entitled “The Holy Dusters” (2015), and a number of translations of philosophical and literary works. Her most recent book is "Blue Poppies.A Spiritual Travelogue from the Himalaya" -- a book, in which she details her personal spiritual journey while she was living and studying in the Indian Himalaya.

Reviews

[Jayashree R · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thanks for gifting the readers copy for "The Holy Dusters" Judith.

When I got the book and it appeared quite small, I felt I can finish it off in an hour or so.

But the moment I started reading it, it took me into a different world. the world of old and helpless, people that are keen on communicating and talking, but do not have someone to do so.

We when young and full of ego, don't bother and hurt people, but when old, with no respite, think we are lonely, while all the way we were sowing that situation of our own hands.

The book does too many things for 1. Takes us across multiple geographies, multiple cultures, different kinds of people, and varied scenarios that one could imagine for.

I have resolved to be better to older people in my life and ignore and forgive their mistakes from now on(they don't do it by purpose, but to draw attention.. good or bad is not important here, just like children)... consciously...

By the way, the weight of the contents took me 3-4 days to complete. 1 story at a time, taking in the tons of unsaid words and emotions....

However, I am intrigued to ask a question. Are the old age homes really so process oriented that they forget that they are dealing with human beings? Keeping people inside for 6 months!

[Wolfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holy Dusters: Fragments is a very moving, beautifully written book full of true stories from the elderly from many different corners of the world at the end of their lives. The book is very compelling & made me want to read more once I'd finished.

It's short, only having 69 pages, but those pages are full of wisdom. It's a reminder that "the old people of our time are the creators of this time" and to treasure their knowledge.

The only negative thing I have to say really is that the cover is somewhat lackluster, and doesn't do this great book justice.

I received this book for free via a First Reads giveaway, but all opinions are my own.

[Marina Spirova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just great. I am not sure that could be able to put all my feelings towards this book into words. This book is amazing. The first thing I did after reading this book was to call my grandma and to tell her that I love her.
I truly believe that we all do not appreciate the elders around us. We do not understand that we ourselves are going to get old someday and that we would need some love and attention too. This book is one of the books that I am definitely going to make my child read this book when she grows up. It amazing and definitely a have to read book.

[Kshahpazova · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and beautifully written book. The author takes us on emotional journey across different parts of the world sharing life experiences and describing true stories of what it's like to be an elderly regardless of background and culture. Filled with reality, wisdom, compassion, and strength the book gently and effortlessly touched my heart. A wake up call to modern societies and raising awareness of very inconvenient topic.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Wermuth-Atkinson has crafted a short story collection with an emphasis on the seniors in our society. After reading this heartwarming collection, the reader is reminded to pay attention to our elderly family members. I really enjoyed the story 'TEA'.

Thank you GoodReads for the book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the free book, I was intrigued by the title, but like others I found the front cover
a little uninspiring.

Well as the saying goes "Never judge a book by its cover" So I plunged in & so glad that I did. It's a short book, but full of insight into the lives of our elderly and how society treats them. We'll all be old one day (hopefully)& we'd do well to remember that.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

l received a copy of The Holy Dusters: Fragments for free from Goodreads Firstreads.

l had been looking forward to reading it as it had a couple of good reviews but l didn't enjoy it.