Article • 17 August 2016

Dadland review

“…a beautifully written book that will leave you desperately sad, occasionally laughing but at all times connected to the story…”

Ian Smedley is father to Ben (32) and Emma (26), proud grandfather to Mal and Zac, and pseudo parent to many! He is attempting to retire but can’t keep still for long enough. Ian’s house is his family’s library. He has a huge passion for reading, enjoys a wide variety of genres, and is always on the hunt for the next big thing!

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Book review - Dadland by Keggie Carew

Initially, I wasn't sure whether this book was fact or fiction. It tells the story of Tom Carew, a member of an elite force called the Jedburghs, who parachuted behind occupied enemy lines in both France and Burma in the Second World War. This wonderful book tells of his exploits but also shares with the reader the poignant descent of Tom into dementia as he ages. The historical perspective features Tom as the main character, but it is told from the point of view of Tom’s daughter, Keggie, the author.

The narrative moves seamlessly between historical fact and family memoir. The book is a complex read combining two genres. Despite the challenges of a daughter reflecting on a father's life, the author avoids sentimentality. The mix of genres within a single title was surprisingly satisfying. A truly human story.

The swapping between Tom's exploits as an operative behind enemy lines and a reflection on past and present day realities, could easily become clumsy, but doesn’t. The more one reads the more comfortable one becomes with this style and approach. Each element gives context to the other.

A difficult book to classify, Dadland is neither gender nor age specific and will resonate with a wide audience. It will particularly appeal to readers of war histories, biographies and family memoirs.

The Jedburgh’s role in the Second World War is relatively unknown and not widely recognised . I enjoyed experiencing the journey alongside the author, and this book led me to undertake further reading on the subject.

Tom is a real life, 'boys own' character facing the realities of his increasing dementia - those familiar with the curse of dementia will identify with the characters.

This is a beautifully written book that will leave you desperately sad, occasionally laughing but at all times connected to the story, and in particular the author, as she attempts to really know her father.

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