The New Corrections

Franzen, J. (2001). The Corrections. London: Fourth Estate.


This book had excellent reviews. It is about an aging couple with three grown up children. The father, Alfred was of quiet demeanour but authoritarian. Mother, Enid was a 'stay at home' mother bringing up the children. The lead up told of the lives of the three children portraying the lives, loves and innermost feelings. This was interspersed with the lives and feelings of the parents. The culmination was the 'last Christmas' when all three children were present on Christmas morning and finally came to term with their father's parkinsonisms, their mother's dilemna and their own duty to their parents and siblings.

This story reminds Dr Anne of many of her friends who are involved in the caring of siblings and parents at this time. It ain't easy when one is emotionally involved.

Dr Anne awards this read 8/10.