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  • Where Memories Go

  • Why Dementia Changes Everything
  • By: Sally Magnusson
  • Narrated by: Sally Magnusson
  • Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (88 ratings)
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Where Memories Go cover art

Where Memories Go

By: Sally Magnusson
Narrated by: Sally Magnusson
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Summary

This book began as an attempt to hold on to my witty, storytelling mother with the one thing I had to hand. Words. Then, as the enormity of the social crisis my family was part of began to dawn, I wrote with the thought that other forgotten lives might be nudged into the light along with hers.

Dementia is one of the greatest social, medical, economic, scientific, philosophical, and moral challenges of our times. I am a reporter. It became the biggest story of my life. (Sally Magnusson)

Regarded as one of the finest journalists of her generation, Mamie Baird Magnusson's whole life was a celebration of words - words that she fought to retain in the grip of a disease which is fast becoming the scourge of the 21st century. Married to writer and broadcaster Magnus Magnusson, they had five children of whom Sally is the eldest.

As well as chronicling the anguish, the frustrations and the unexpected laughs and joys that she and her sisters experienced while accompanying their beloved mother on the long dementia road for eight years until her death in 2012, Sally Magnusson seeks understanding from a range of experts and asks penetrating questions about how we treat older people; how we can face one of the greatest social, medical, economic, and moral challenges of our times; and what it means to be human.

An extraordinary and deeply personal memoir, a manifesto and a call to arms, in one searingly beautiful narrative.

©2014 Sally Magnusson (P)2014 John Murray Press

Critic reviews

"Touching... There are many moments of heartwarming sentiment. Literary snowdrops grow out of the barren earth.... This book is the constant, tenuous, but vital reconnection between a child and its mother.... A fine book." ( The Sunday Times)

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What listeners say about Where Memories Go

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Compassionate, dispassionate and groundbreaking

Would you listen to Where Memories Go again? Why?

Yes, to consider some of the philosophical issues raised about the nature of being and the role of memory in defining a person.

What did you like best about this story?

The love, warmth and intelligence.

Which character – as performed by Sally Magnusson – was your favourite?

Not relevant.

Any additional comments?

I listened to an Audible version of this book, narrated by Sally Magnusson. In addition to enjoying her excellent narration, I admire her courage in reading this deeply affecting and personal account.

Dementia is a difficult and poorly understood subject, but one increasingly likely to touch many of us one way or another. Sally Magnusson's account is a touching tribute to her vibrant and vivacious mother whose descent into this disease is meticulously recorded. It's heartwarming, occasionally heartbreaking but filled with warmth, insight and humour. The narrative flows seamlessly back and forth between time and people, with a richly detailed look at both her mother and father, the family background and relationships. We learn a great deal about Scottish and Icelandic influences and Maimie Magnusson's skill with words. I was unaware of her journalistic background and she was clearly held in high regard by press magnates in her early career. Her love of language appears to be something that remained with her, even during darker moments when other parts of her mind had unravelled. Those moments often provided humour but also insight into the person a d her probable awareness. A fitting and memorable tribute to a remarkable lady.

Sally Magnusson's research is extensive. The narrative is filled with fact and figures. Much of it is stark food for thought. But she also raises some challenging philosophical questions about the essence of being; the role of memory and the extent to which it defines 'being'. For that alone, I'm recommending it to everyone. It's a truly remarkable narrative.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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It made me cry

What did you like most about Where Memories Go?

Combination of genuine honest emotion and we'll researched facts

What did you like best about this story?

The insight into the family relationships and the beautiful narration by Sally Magnusson

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The description of family togetherness and mutual support at the time of Magnus's illness

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

It was both beautiful and heartbreaking. A real triumph to so sensitively capture the essence of Mamie through the dramatic and frightening changes. Sally your mum would be proud !

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Tears of Emotion

About the most beautifully written book I have ever known. I am just overcome with the emotion of having heard it read in Sally's own mellifluous voice.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional

A book I will never forget with such eloquence and feeling Sally kindly and honestly shares her experience of caring for her who has dementia
Terrific insight
Thank you the Magnusson family , it will teach others so much !










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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Story of Love

This story of a wonderfully bright and intelligent Mother read beautifully by her daughter could show so many people in the Healthcare profession and outside how precious life is even when a loved one has become almost unrecognisable. Memories of music and songs can keep those threads alive almost to the last when every other contact seems to be lost. Please read this book to be reassured how strong a force love is.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Heart warming and breaking

This was a wonderfully entertaining and yet heart breaking story of Mamie Magnusson's struggle with dementia. It is beautifully written and read and has inspired me in so many ways. It is well worth listening to

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An excellent read/ listen

A very moving and real account - very insightful and helpful and Sally is a very engaging speaker it’s incredibly powerful

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting

It was interesting and I enjoyed listening to it. i have enjoyed other of her books

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful

its a story that many of us have had, or will go through. the ups and downs, the unlikely funny moments and the very sad, touching times . I can relate to the story as my mother has same disease, such a horrible disease.
We are all human and some days we cope better than others, some days its all too much, but deep down the love we have will carry us through .x

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A beautiful narrative

A really personal and touching account of the journey with someone you love through Alzheimer’s disease. You felt privileged to walk with the Magnussen family who showed such love, compassion and care for their much loved Mum. A really honest narrative and reflection on what science currently knows about this devastating disease. Thank you for sharing it with us. I would recommend this book to anyone.

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