Taking Care

Taking Care is a wise, tender, funny and hopeful book about finding joy in the most unlikely circumstances. The story starts with Patrick's dad's dementia diagnosis, his decision to move to a care home, and what happens next as the years in care unexpectedly turn out to be blessed with moments of joy as well as great poignancy. As Patrick's dad finds succour in nature and becomes remarkably accepting of infirmity and death, the story evolves into a celebration of carers and their community. Patrick weaves their fascinating stories with those of his father's surprising past and present. In his most personal book yet, Barkham, a Sunday Times-bestselling nature writer, hopes to tackle some of the biggest philosophical questions that stare each of us in the face, questions we often run away from until we can run no more: what it is to be alive, how to live a good life in the most unpromising circumstances, and what accepting death may look like. Praise for Patrick Barkham: 'A vivid, adept, unapologetic voice' Guardian 'Still more enviable than Barkham's single-mindedness is his sense of wonder ... Enraptured, visionary, witty and erudite' Sunday Telegraph 'Engaging, elegant and moving' Financial Times