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Book group: United, by Gina Awad and Tony Husband

As soon as we heard about United: Caring for Our Loved Ones Living with Dementia, we knew we wanted it for our book group. 

Caroline Branney, in our Dementia Knowledge Centre, says, ‘Just over 100 pages long, this charming book is full of relatable, true life stories.

‘The text is straightforward and brief, written from the point of view of the carers and accompanied by Tony Husband’s wonderful illustrations, which capture so much.’

Keith Oliver in Kent, Society Ambassador, says,

‘Whilst reading it, I had a smile on my lips and a tear in my eye! In the case studies I recognised both myself as a person living with dementia, and my wife sharing my life with me.’ 

Professor Kenneth Payne in London, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, says, ‘This book comes as a valuable, sensitive and insightful addition to the growing body of non-scientific literature on the subject of dementia (still, unfortunately, relatively misunderstood as a condition).’ 

Lynda Porter in Devon says,

‘Gina Awad describes beautifully real-life experiences of various people living with dementia, and in a way that is both practical and reassuring. A real caring warmth emanates from every page.’ 

Mandy Mani, Dementia Support Worker in south-west England, agrees, ‘This is a moving little book with amazing illustrations by Tony Husband, who has written and illustrated his own book about his father’s journey through dementia, Take Care, Son.’

First impressions 

Lynda Doyle, in County Durham, says, ‘I picked up the book and devoured it in 35 minutes. It is a delightful, light touch, easy to read book, which uses great illustrations to highlight some really sensitive issues felt by those with a dementia and their loved ones.’ 

Caroline Scott-Gall in West Sussex says,

‘At first, I thought I didn’t like it as it seemed to almost trivialise life with dementia. Then I read it again, more slowly, and realised it does express some of the situations and intense emotions that carers experience.’ 

Lynda Porter says, ‘My first impression on opening the book was, “Oh no! It’s nearly all illustrations!” However, within minutes of starting to read it, I was completely absorbed and very soon I was both laughing and crying.

‘Laughing because it is written so well and much of it is amusing, but in a caring and heart-warming way, and crying because it is all so true, and totally relevant to some of the situations that my husband and I now find ourselves in. 

‘I suddenly felt that other people really do understand, and that I was a little less alone.’

Range of stories 

Keith says, ‘I really liked the original and comprehensive way Gina and Tony tackled a very wide range of dementia issues.’ 

Caroline Scott-Gall says, ‘There are seven stories and I am sure that Gina Awad would be the first to acknowledge that there are many thousands of different dementia scenarios, but as a snapshot it works quite well.’ 

Stephen Holmes, a reader in Surrey, says, ‘The book illustrates a series of experiences that are unique to each individual and their families.

‘Gina Awad and the visualisations of Tony Husband capture the complexity of dementia, but above all emphasise the close connection families experienced.’ 

Kenneth agrees, ‘The key words in the title are “united” and “caring”. As readers, we are introduced to the families (wives, husbands, daughters, sons and other relatives) who have united in caring for a loved one experiencing the onset and development of dementia in one form or another.’

Caroline Branney says, ‘I enjoyed the variety of settings and scenarios chosen – themes covered include young-onset dementia, respite care, young carers and extended families.’ 

Lynda Doyle notes, ‘The book could have gone further and looked at topics such as anticipatory grief, the need for counselling, carer exhaustion and burnout, worry about care costs – especially if care has to be in a specialist setting – and feelings of absolute helplessness. 

‘Maybe a second book needs to be written and illustrated, which has more graphic stories and illustrations in it about dementia.’ 

Use and impact 

Caroline Branney says, ‘The book’s format – short and with illustrations – lends itself to different contexts. It could be an excellent starting point with a group to raise some of the issues about dementia and its impact on families, and to look beyond the fear often associated with a dementia diagnosis.’ 

Lynda Doyle says, ‘It could be issued by GPs and memory clinics after a diagnosis or given to those diagnosed with a short-term memory impairment.’ 

Caroline Scott-Gall says, ‘I would give it to my grandchildren to read as an introduction to life with dementia. I might give it to friends who want to support us but don’t have any understanding of our situation.’ 

Kenneth says,

‘Accessible and written with the deepest compassion, and beautifully illustrated by Tony Husband, Gina Awad’s United is to be unreservedly recommended for anyone committed to the care of a loved one with dementia.’ 

Lynda Porter agrees, ‘My husband (who is living with Alzheimer’s) also picked it up and read it, and literally chuckled at some of the scenarios, saying, “That’s just like me!” It’s a fairly small book, but with a great big kick.’ 

United: Caring for Our Loved Ones Living with Dementia, by Gina Awad and Tony Husband (Robinson 2022), 128 pages, £9.99 (prices vary), ISBN 9781472146519. Also available as an ebook.