THE BOOKVIRAL REVIEW:

Emotionally intense and highly original Refuge in the Land of Silver proves a powerful debut for Dempsey Gray and a hard biography to put down.

It’s a biography about what happens when the relationships between people are irrevocably impacted by the unscripted events of life with Gray admirably exploring the unique and confusing nature of dementia.

It is often said that loss of self is an indescribable feeling that words inadequately convey but in exploring the relationship between James, Lorena and Eva, Gray convincingly portrays it in an honest and emotive way that will leave all but the coldest of hearts untouched.

There’s an extraordinarily tough and smart delicacy to Refuge in the Land of Silver, and it stretches far beyond James’ diary or the sympathy of Gray’s narrative with the fragility of life an ever-constant reminder to seize pivotal moments before they pass lest we come to regret their passing.

Through James Gray guides us through the tragic arc of how it must feel to disappear before one’s own eyes. Weaving an overwhelmingly authentic and mesmerizing narrative that’s truly immersive and creates a powerful sense of presence with characters and settings coming to life without succumbing to pitiful clichés.

Capturing the toll of dementia and its power to wipe out personal certainties and identity is not easy but Gray drives straight to the terror of the disease as James reflects on his brief period of time with Lorena and Eva. Aware as he writes that time is against him and Gray cleverly employing diminishing chapter titles to highlight his deteriorating recall of events. Infusing his story with such sorrow and grace that it becomes a profound exploration of how we say goodbye to those we hold dear to us.

A genuine gem of a read that will lead to much reflection for many of its readers, Refuge in the Land of Silver proves a superb debut for Gray and is unreservedly recommended.

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