Joy Marshall
asked
Bruce Nash:
We recently read All The Words We Know for book club. We loved your use of language and being swept into Rose's mind. Having watched my mother with dementia, I think you nailed it. The question raised by one member is was the older man in Rose's life her father? and not a second friend after her husband died. We did all wonder put that photo forward when it wasn't his father.
Bruce Nash
Thanks for the question, Joy, and lovely to hear that you enjoyed the book. An interesting suggestion that 'the older fellow' might be Rose's father, but as I see it, it becomes increasingly apparent that he is not only Rose's second husband, but the real love of Rose's life. The fact that the son keeps moving his photo to the front of the dresser is I think evidence of what a 'good son' he is, for all his failings. He knows that this was the man whom his mother loved, and he is trying to help her find her way back to her memory of him, despite the pain and sense of abandonment that both children felt about this at the time.
With my regards
Bruce
With my regards
Bruce
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