Memory Adrift. Pauline Voisard (Writer & Director). Pauline Voisard (Productions VF Inc. Producer). Zjacques Turgeon (NFB Producer). Montreal, PQ: National Film Board of Canada, 2007. 65 min., VHS or DVD, $99.95. Order Number: 153E 9907 123. Grades 11 and up / Ages 16 and up. Review by Helen Norrie. ** /4

Memory Adrift is a film about four women suffering from Alzheimer's disease who are living in a special residence in Trois Rivieres, Quebec. While the video starts with great promise and introduces viewers to all four women, emphasizing their different personalities and talents, it unfortunately only carries through with the story of one of these four. There are some touching moments when the women show humour, sing, and interact with staff and family. However not all four continue to be part of the film. It is sad to watch the gradual deterioration of the one person who is followed through to her eventual death.

This video was produced in French with English sub-titles. The residence, Maison Jean-XXIII in Trois Rivieres is shown to be a caring place and the staff are helpful and patient. This film might give comfort to those who need to commit a loved one to a special facility for Alzheimer's patients.

I felt that this was a project which began with high hopes by the producer, Pauline Voisard, but which became too difficult for her to follow-through in the way she had intended. It would only be useful for very specific viewing by persons studying this condition or having a personal interest in it. For this reason I cannot recommend it highly.

Recommended.

Helen Norrie, who lives in Winnipeg, MB, is a former teacher-librarian who has taught children;s literature courses at the University of Manitoba.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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