The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey is an interesting insight into the nature and reality of Alzheimer’s disease, the degenerative and most common form of dementia. Beautifully written and filled with engaging topics including identity, loss and, as you’d expect, memories, The Wilderness is in parts absorbing, drawing you into the subject and its impact, but unfortunatley it’s slightly marred by characters that are distinctly unlikable.
The story centres around the life of Jake Jameson as his memories fail him with the onset and increasing influence of Alzheimer’s. Piecing together the slim hold on the fabric of his life, the storyline juxtaposes chunks of memory from different points in his life, jumping from time to time. However, as the pieces take shape it becomes increasingly clear that moments have become muddled and the sad reality of Alzheimer’s is laid out bare.
His jewish mother and father’s emigration to England at the onset of World War 2 brings up questions of identity, while the saga of Jake’s life evokes a certain sadness as his loss of memory entrenches. However, the characters can be tough to empathise with at times and seem a little alien and unreal. This doesn’t help The Wilderness in winning you over, but leaves you with a feeling of disconnection. While this ties into the some of the themes of the novel, it does nothing for the readability of it.
It’s cool how Harvey has added to the story with insights into topics that might seem unfamiliar to many readers, including some of the finer details of architecture, Jake’s profession before his retirement, and the family’s Jewish lineage.
Interesting, not just in terms of its exposition of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, but also its other themes of loss, identity, desire and consequences, The Wilderness is stunningly written. However, while it’s a good read, it isn’t necessarily always a joy to read. Though it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2009, as well as picking up a number of good reviews, it’s ultimately a little disheartening, so if you’re looking for something with a little cheer, Samantha Harvey’s debut novel might not be the one for you.
The Wilderness, by Samantha Harvey review: 3.7/5
Release dates:
Hardback – 17th February 2009
Paperback – 4th February 2010
