The Wilderness, by Samantha Harvey

The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey is an interesting insight into the nature and reality of Alzheimer’s disease. Beautifully written and filled with engaging topics like identity, loss and obviously memories, The Wilderness is in parts absorbing, but slightly marred by characters that are distinctly unlikable.

The story centres around the life of Jake as his memories fail him with the onset 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. 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 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.

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 I’m glad I read it, I can’t say that it was always a joy to read.

3.7/5