I believe it to be one of the greatest skills a writer can possess – to reduce the reader to tears one moment, and have them laughing the next. It is an even greater feat, then, to engage the reader in this way whilst retelling real life experiences.

Marianne Rumens achieves all this and more, in her heartfelt book “No More Apples For Tom”. The earnest retellings of both her and her husband Tom’s struggle through his diagnoses of Pick’s disease (a rare form of dementia), are both eye opening and insightful. Throughout the book, Marianne maintains the perfect balance of her natural, humorous wit with the truths of the trials and tribulations dementia brings.

It can be all too easy for our empathy and concern to default to only the dementia sufferer themselves. However, what is not always seen is the persistent, and often arduous, behind-the-scenes work of the carer. Marianne tells the highs and lows of her experience of caring for Tom, from his obsession with smuggling and eating excessive amounts of apples, to the final day he went missing from his respite centre, and when his body was found eight months later.

I sincerely cannot recommend this book enough, to those who have loved ones battling with dementia-related illnesses, or even if you are just interested in learning more about its effects.

All money from sales after costs goes to Admiral Nurses on the Island, who do great work in dementia care, free-of-charge to patients and their families.

You can purchase ‘No More Apples For Tom’ by contacting Marianne at 07826 110425. Keep an eye out for Marianne’s next publications; she is currently writing stories from her time as an Australian air hostess in the ’60s, and an amusing glance at coming to terms with old age.