Stories of home: Aging, intergenerational relations and dementia in Julia Martin's The Blackridge House: A memoir (2019)

Abstract

Scholarship in the field of aging and care has geared efforts toward the analysis of the significance of home in the context of dementia. Julia Martin's The Blackridge House (2019) provides a nuanced understanding of this question, offering a unique tapestry for the exploration of human experiences and interconnectedness. The aim of this study is to claim the crucial role of old people, as a well of wisdom, for the creation of gripping narratives that facilitate the exchange of knowledge among generations. This article uses the theoretical frameworks of literary gerontology and life writing to raise awareness of the intricacies of old age, showcasing the process of aging as a crucial element for the tracing of the intersection between the past and the present. Martin's candid memoir is a platform for readers to reflect on the unifying force of life narratives and the impact of past actions on future generations.