GENE, EVERYWHERE

by Talya Tate Boerner ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

An aging father-in-law comes to stay with life-changing consequences in this memoir by Boerner (The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, 2016).

When the unexpectedly shrill ringtone of the cellphone belonging to the author’s husband, John, jars the couple’s morning, Boerner knew instinctively that something was wrong. John’s mother, Pauline, had been admitted to the hospital, leaving his 90-year-old father, Gene, alone at home. Boerner suggests to her husband that he drive to Arkansas to collect his father so he can stay at their house in Dallas “for a few days.” Gene’s stay lasts for six weeks, a period in which Boerner, senior vice president of the commercial lending department at a Dallas bank, spends time assisting her father-in-law with his daily needs as John’s only sister looks after the hospitalized Pauline. Gene struggles with the stairs, is frustrated by the way Boerner organizes his pills, accuses Boerner’s son of stealing his wallet, and becomes increasingly confused. However, Boerner, who as a young girl wanted to be a nurse, forms a bond with Gene. She confides in Gene that she would like to write a book someday, to which Gene responds sagely: “someday gets here fast. Before long, we’ll both be nothing but memories.” The memoir hinges on this moment, which inspires Boerner to quit her job and become a writer, but the bulk of the narrative focus is on the sad decline in health of her father-in-law. As proven in her stirring debut novel, Boerner is a thoughtfully descriptive writer: “[Gene] stops counting and takes a forced breath, his exhalation so heavy I imagine wisps of his soul escaping into our home.” However, the tone of this particular offering is so relentlessly melancholic that it makes for a difficult read: “Gene will die because his time on earth has been filled to overflowing…raising children and being kind, and loving one woman to such an extent that he withered without her.” Those caring for an ailing elderly family member will recognize the gamut of emotions expressed in this tender tribute to an inspirational relative—moments of frustration, helplessness, and heartache—but this book will struggle to draw a wider audience because of its depressing nature.

Sharply written but painful and emotionally draining, with few moments of reprieve.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 978-1-951418-00-7

Page Count: 349

Publisher: One Mississippi Press LLC

Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2020

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION