The family is the Magnussons. Mamie Baird Magnusson was one of the finest journalists of her day. She was married to the writer and broacaster Magnus Magnusson, and they had five children, of which the journalist Sally Magnusson was the eldest.

It is beautifully written, and entertaining and informative, though, of course, troubling and very sad. Dementia remains a puzzle and we all need to exhibit patience and compassion to be able to care for the people it affects.

Mamie Baird Magnusson loved words, and she loved singing and, despite not being able to remember what day it was, who was caring for her, or how to put on her clothes, she could still express her bewilderment and distress with the most apt and eloquent language. And she could remember the songs she loved, and was calmed and soothed when someone would sing to her, and with her.

Sally Magnusson cared for her mother, with her sisters, for eight years. It was a time of huge difficulty, distress and disappointment, but there was also laughter and joy, and the book wonderfully expresses both.

It also touches on care offered to the elderly, and the research underway into the causes and treatment for dementia.

It's a challenging read.

I found it could not be rushed, nor read in lengthy portions. I needed to put it down and get on with everyday life - though Mamie and her family and carers could not. This is a distressing but beautiful book, and I highly recommend it.

Read more about Sally Magnusson in my interview here.