A touching and intelligent novella, “Homecoming” examines the relationships that take place within the confines of an English nursing home.  It addresses the confusion, bewilderment, and pathos of those suffering from dementia.  The story speaks to the basic human need for intimacy as well as the anguish that results when a loved one no longer recognizes a family member.

The oldies: The main characters are Tom and Rosie.  Husband and wife in their nineties (but they don’t know that).   You are only as old as your brain tells you you are…  They are devoted to each other. Rosie adores Tom a war veteran.  Tom adores Rosie, who shares his love of nature and gardens and welcomes him ‘home’.  They relish what their memories tell them is true.  They delight in the familiar.

The busybodies: The peripheral characters are the workers in the nursing home.  Some excellent, some not, all with the taxing job of caring for the elderly, the demented, the confused.   Sometimes they work on an ethical tightrope.

Tom and Rosie are a special ‘couple’.  One that I will remember for a long time. I am grateful for having met them…

Thanks to Blackbird Digital Books for providing me with a digital copy of this charming novella for review.

Tanya Bullock is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, college lecturer, and the mother of two young children.  She lives in the West Midlands, England.