Dislocations

Sylvia Molloys Dislocations captures the gradual loss of a friend, M.L., due to Alzheimer's, highlighting the unexpected and painful aspects of memory loss, including the reversion to a formal Spanish and the fading of self-identity. The writer's purpose is to bear witness to these unintelligibilities and breaches, maintaining their continuity as a scribe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2022
Publisher: Charco Press

When Alzheimer's disease steals the common ground of language, memory, and experience that unites us, preserving a friendship can be a challenging and complex journey. Sylvia Molloys poignant book, Dislocations, vividly captures the gradual loss of her beloved friend, M.L., through a series of brief, sharp moments. The book explores the expected and unexpected ways in which M.L. disappears, from forgotten names to forgotten moments, as well as the painful surprise of her reversion to a formal and proper Spanish from their previous shared vernacular.

Despite the profound loss, there are also moments of wonder in the book. M.L. loses the ability to find words to express her dizziness, but she can still translate that message from Spanish to English when it is passed along by a friend. This demonstrates her remarkable cognitive abilities, even in the face of the disease's devastating effects.

However, this loss also impacts Molloys sense of herself and her relationship with M.L. As M.L.'s memory fades, Molloys connection to the person she is in relation to M.L. begins to dissolve. The writer's role becomes one of witnessing the unintelligibilities, breaches, and silences that arise in the friendship. Rather than attempting to patch up holes or deny the reality of the situation, Molloys writing serves as a testament to the continuity of the scribe, who bears witness to the complexities and nuances of the human experience, even in the face of profound loss.

Through Dislocations, Molloys offers a powerful exploration of the complexities of friendship, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. She reminds us of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones and the value of documenting and sharing our experiences, even in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913867355