Moving Miss Peggy

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY APR 8, 2013

Through a lens of affection, admiration, and sadness, Benson (A Good Life) tells the story of his mother's transition from an independent, adventurous, sharply funny woman to one whose fading cognitive abilities require her children to recognize and respond to her increasing needs. Childhood memories interweave with stories of the siblings' growing awareness of their mother's condition, more painful because "she knew better than any of us that there was a storm coming ashore, a storm that would wash away all of her memories." Benson's technique of writing alternately in first-person plural and second-person effectively conveys both the team spirit that develops between siblings who have equal love but different skills to offer, and their desire to honor their mother's generous wish to share this story so others might benefit from the family's experience. Benson's short chapters of lyrical prose document, with occasional repetition, Miss Peggy's decline, celebrate her life, and express gratitude for help received in providing for her safety and dignity. Families going through similar journeys will find both solace and guidance in these pages.