Book Review by Aarene Storms: Wrinkles

Wrinkles by Paco Roca (graphic novel)
Translated from Spanish by Erica Mena

Emilio doesn't understand what readers will quickly grasp: that he has been taken to a retirement home by his family because he has Alzheimer's disease.

Emilio meets the residents of the ground floor, including Miguel, his mischievous and conniving roommate, Mrs. Sol, a woman who always wants to find a telephone but forgets who she was planning to call, the married couple Dolores and Modesto, and others.

Life on the ground floor is boring, featuring endless naps interrupted by bland meals. Still, the ground floor is preferable to the second floor, which is where the incompetents live. Emilio dreads the inexorable progression of his disease, and dreads even more a transfer up to the second floor.

The story is gentle, but the reality is difficult. Anyone who has experienced the sadness of dementia may wish to read this book, or share it with others.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS