Random Raving 2: Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey

I was recently lucky enough to get to meet the wonderful Emma Healey, a debut novelist who's first book, Elizabeth is Missing, has only very recently been published. Emma's work has been lauded from its first days, with nine publishers trying to secure the manuscript and a swathe of exceptional reviews from newspaper, journalists and countless media outlets around the UK (and, quite randomly, Italy). Soon to be featured on Radio 2, the book is expected to perform exceptionally.

We, at Waterstones Leeds, were lucky enough to have the opportunity to host an event with Emma in the store (which also happened to be my first ever event as official events coordinator), and even more wonderfully, I was able to secure an advance reading copy to prepare for the event, so I can put up my thoughts about the book pretty much as soon as it's published! So, here it is!

Elizabeth is Missing tells the story of Maud, an elderly woman suffering from increasingly severe dementia. Maud is convinced that her friend, Elizabeth, has gone missing, and is determined to find out what has happened. The problem is, it's hard to solve a mystery when you can't remember the clues. Simultaneously, the book explores another near-70 year old mystery surrounding Maud's sister Sukey. 

In short, Elizabeth is Missing is one of the most harrowing and emotionally-charged books that I have ever read. Dementia and similar mental illnesses have always hit me extremely hard, but Emma's book stands out by taking the perspective of the sufferer, not a carer or relative. Not only is this extremely unique, but it opens up a whole range of wonderful, almost playful, possibilities, and also makes Maud one of the most inspirational, sympathetic and endearing characters I've ever encountered in fiction.

As Emma herself commented at the event (and I myself have experienced with relatives suffering from the horrendous condition), those suffering from dementia often struggling with creating new memories, but can remember events from decades ago in stunning clarity. One of Elizabeth is Missing's best features is the fluidity between the two narratives (1946 and the present day), and the 'realness' that it brings. 

My only slight criticism might be that the ending is perhaps slightly too expected by the end, but in reality it doesn't really matter. The poise and skill with which Emma tells the story and concludes Maud's journey makes it an absolute joyous (and at times terribly emotional) read. 

Overall, a fantastic cast of supporting characters, wonderful fluidity between past and present narratives (triggered by something as small as an item of clothing or a smell), the unique and heartbreaking viewpoint and an utterly endearing protagonist equates to an astonishing read, and one any booklover, or anyone interested in mental health should hate to miss out on. 

For a debut novel it is a stunning work and my hopes for Emma's career could not be higher. 

Rating: 9/10