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from this dreadful and ravaging disease) with the dignity that long life deserves is something that Dickens might well have seized upon.

It is impossible to say how Dickens would have treated the subject of dementia but I can imagine him attacking those who demonstrate a lack of care for their fellow human beings, lampooning those in authority, seizing politicians (for whom he never had a high regard after his time as a parliamentary reporter) by their collective scrawny throat and shaking them, shaming them, forcing them to look into that deep pit where they themselves would fear to go. Ah, almost Dickensian!

Abi Morgan, who also wrote the excellent television adaptation of Birdsong and used a similar flashback technique, presents us with a sympathetic and affectionate portrait of someone in the less advanced stages of Alzheimers.    You don’t have to know anything of the political background (although it helps!) or to share or not share the politics to understand the difficulties caused by failing mental capacity both for the individual and the family and the carers.

We must not shy away from the difficult parts of life.   They may not be pleasant but they exist.   Our Lent course this year tackles some themes that may, at first sight, put people off (themes such as Death – but it does lead towards resurrection!) but there is much value to be had in wrestling with the difficult issues of life in a Christian context.   Dickens wrote from the background of a muddled religiosity but from a broad understanding of Christian values and he very much brought an understanding of God into what he wrote.   Many years ago I read a particular novel with a view to adapting it for the stage (something of which Dickens would have approved!) and found myself reading a chapter headed, “The Resurrection and the Life.”

So bravo and happy anniversary, Mr Dickens!   Despite your faults and failings, I salute you.   And bravo Abi Morgan for bringing a sympathetic portrait of the darkness of Alzheimers into the light.

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