The Letters to A.

Mr A moves into Aniela’s house and disrupts the family’s routine. It’s his fault that granny is forgetful, mistakes names, doesn’t recognise family members and struggles with everyday tasks. Aniela does not like Mr A. She writes him notes and encourages him to move out. „I don’t like you! “Why can’t you leave my grandmother alone?!” The girl writes him notes and places them at the entrance of her grandmother’s room. She never finds them there in the morning, so she believes Mr Alzheimer removes them at night. Readers may come across questions regarding how to deal with powerlessness, transience, disease, and old age. And it appears to be a taboo subject, as our society displaces and avoids it. We celebrate perpetual youth and vitality. The author is not hesitant to address these topics because she understands how many families confront them. Parents find it especially difficult to explain to youngsters what happens to their beloved grandparents when they experience chaos rather than the familiar order. Why are they unrecognisable, lose orientation, don’t recognise anyone, or mistake the purpose of objects? The book is based on the author’s personal experience; her mother has Alzheimer’s. Writing became a form of self-therapy for her, providing considerable relief. And taught her that love is the finest remedy.

The Best Book 2019 by IBBy Polish section – nomination.