“Libby Lost and Found” by Stephanie Booth is an interesting, quirky novel. It may not appeal to all readers – the first third of the book is very disjointed, but comes together nicely after that. The novel covers the serious topics of dementia, loneliness and grief but also is a novel for readers who love to immerse themselves in books and have a love of reading. The story is told with imagination and humor.
Libby Weeks, age 40, is the most famous author in the world. She has written a fantasy series of books and is having trouble finishing the final book because of early onset dementia. Fans of the series are demanding a new book asap! (Because Libby writes under a pseudonym, none of her readers know her identity.) Libby is alone in her life – no family, no friends, no social life. She only has her beloved dog, Rolf. There is the feeling of a story within a story as a young girl enters Libby’s life with an offer to help finish the novel. Will Libby accept her help and will the novel ever get finished?
I found the beginning of “Libby Lost and Found” rather confusing, but by the end, I was reading by fading window light, hoping I could make it to the end before dark! I kept wishing for someone to help Libby, as her confusion because of the dementia increased. I loved the character of Peanut, the young girl who calls herself the ‘biggest fan’ of the fantasy book series. This was a wonderful novel for those who have ever felt that they didn’t fit in. This book was a nice change of pace after reading quite a few thrillers.
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