The Fatal Dance

 The Fatal Dance

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       February 5, 2022

 

Author  Berndt Sellheim

Distributor:      HarperCollins Publishers Australia
ISBN:                 9781743097151
Publisher:         Harper Collins Publishers Australia. Imprint 4th Estate
Release Date:   October 2021  

Website:    https://www.harpercollins.com.au 

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A work of fiction can take us to so many worlds that are unknown to us. The author has certainly achieved this in an informed and unblinkered way. The “Dance” that this book refers to is actually the jerky movements that occur for those who suffer from Huntington’s Disease. It is an incurable and progressive disease which gradually destroys the mind and body. It is also passed on through a defective gene. The story follows the members of Lori’s family as she goes through her journey with this disease.

The characters in The Fatal Dance each have their own world to travel. There is Red, the Real Estate agent, (and Brother-in-law to Lori), who is open to any way which will help him earn money. We follow his life during a spell of great opportunity. Bea, his wife has supported her sister, but now has her own issues to navigate.

Lori has Huntington’s disease. She has a son whom she loves dearly, but it is Bea who has raised him and cared for him. Mada, the son, is now at university studying for his Doctorate in this disease, hoping to find a cure for his mother. He is in a relationship with Zoe, who is also studying, has so much to occupy her mind.

We follow each of these characters through a period of time where they all have to come to terms with their life. Each has a burden to bear; each must discover a gratitude within to see the good in their family and the world. The Fatal Dance is a warts and all tale, but hope and love are the keystone for this family.

Non Fiction