The Goddess of Undo by Kat Drennan is a memorable, touching story of Betty, the mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and Evie, her baby-boomer daughter. Their relationship has always been distant, as Betty forged a glamorous life with her second husband, Vern. Her focus was traveling, playing golf and having a beautiful wardrobe, while visiting her daughter when it was convenient. Evie was raised by grandparents and always desired a loving and present mother. Recently Betty and Vern became experts at hiding their physical and mental declining conditions until an emergency struck. Evie, with the support of her husband Robert, step in to provide caregiving, taking over financial matters and eventually selecting the right facilities. At the same time, Evie has to deal with the emotional baggage of her relationship with her mother while Betty is struggling to keep her identity, with changes in her memory and cognitive skills.

This book is very well-written; the story is engaging and thought-provoking. The reader is transported with ease to lovely southern California scenery, to well-kept assisted living facilities, to mid-century life. The author seamlessly integrates past memories with present events. The plot is realistic as Evie struggles with difficult decisions while trying to juggle jobs, her marriage, exercising, and other practical matters. The reader is introduced to the complicated issues today’s elderly and their adult children face. Kat Drennan’s novel, The Goddess of Undo, is a challenging, yet heart-warming story. It will resonate with anyone who is dealing with caregiving for elderly parents, dementia, loss and grief.

Betty was Compton College’s Glamour Girl. She was always fixed up and ready to impress. That was the mother image that Evie was certain would always be there, even when she was too busy to really be there. Betty and Vern epitomized a glamour couple, unlike the parents of Evie’s classmates. They travelled to exotic lands, played golf with important dignitaries, and dined amongst the beautiful people. Evie tried to fit in, but knew that she never really belonged in that lifestyle. When Vern’s age caught up with his mind, Evie realized that her mother needed to be near her only family. But it isn’t only Vern whose mind has failed him. While his joy is unhindered, Betty fights to reclaim the days of her youth, while denying the woman in the mirror.

The Goddess of Undo by Kat Drennan is a heart-wrenching story of the sad fate of many people in the world. As we watch Betty fall deeper into the dark world of dementia, our own mortality is slammed in our faces. Drennan speaks of Alzheimer’s and elderly dementia in a realistic, relatable voice that makes the reader question the focus of this piece. I see The Goddess of Undo as a therapy session for the author; as if she is tackling these very issues with a loved one at the time of writing. Kat Drennan has found her voice with this priceless tale of what once was and what is now. Such a powerful piece!