Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Description

“Still Alice” is a novel written by Lisa Genova, published in 2007. It tells the story of Alice Howland, a renowned linguistics professor at Harvard University who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The novel follows Alice’s journey as she grapples with the devastating effects of her diagnosis on her career, her relationships, and her sense of self. As the disease progresses, Alice struggles to hold on to her memories, her independence, and her identity, while also navigating the challenges of daily life and the reactions of her family and friends.

Through Alice’s perspective, “Still Alice” offers a poignant and intimate portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on both the individual and those around them. Genova’s writing is both compassionate and insightful, capturing the emotional turmoil and the moments of clarity that characterize Alice’s experience of living with dementia.

The novel also delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit, as Alice and her family confront the harsh realities of Alzheimer’s while also finding moments of joy and connection amidst the darkness.

“Still Alice” received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease and its ability to humanize a condition that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. It was adapted into a highly acclaimed film in 2014, starring Julianne Moore in the role of Alice, further cementing its status as a powerful and important work of fiction that sheds light on the realities of dementia and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.