Don’t Forget Me
Don’t Forget Me by Philomene Grandin, published by Scribner in 2022, is a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the impact of dementia. This 288-page book is written in English and delves into the life of Izzy Young, a notable figure in the folk music scene, who established the Folklore Center in New York’s Greenwich Village. The narrative unfolds as Philomène reflects on her experiences living with her father in a culturally rich environment, contrasting those memories with the challenges they face as he battles dementia.
Readers will find a raw and unembellished portrayal of the emotional journey of losing a beloved parent, enriched by moments of joy that punctuate the struggle. The book intertwines two timelines, capturing both the vibrant past and the present challenges, while employing a beautifully sparse language that resonates with emotion. With themes of biography, personal memoirs, and music history, Don’t Forget Me offers a deeply personal yet universally relatable narrative that invites reflection on love, loss, and the complexities of memory.
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‘A lovely tribute’ Joan Baez
‘Fascinating’ The Dylan Review
Izzy Young was a distinctive figure in the folk music and beatnik world. He set up the Folklore Center in New York’s Greenwich Village, where Patti Smith, Emmylou Harris and Allen Ginsburg performed, and he produced Bob Dylan’s first show in New York in the 1960s. In 1973, Izzy moved to Sweden, where he opened up a similar cultural centre.
In Stockholm, the young Philomène and her father resided in the basement of the folklore centre, living a bohemian life, rich in culture and love. Thirty years later Izzy is fighting dementia.
In a raw and unembellished manner, Philomène depicts the emotional rollercoaster of losing a beloved parent and a larger-than-life personality to an invisible, invincible foe. Interspersed are small moments of joy as the fog briefly parts to allow for a reconnection. Philomene masterfully intertwines the two timelines with a beautifully sparse language that vibrates with emotion. Don’t Forget Me is a deeply personal book, yet the story itself is highly universal.
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