Book Review: "Bill Warrington's Last Chance" by James King

Title: Bill Warrington’s Last Chance

Author: James King

Publisher: Viking

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-0-670-02161-1, August 5, 2010

Reviewed By: Irene Yeates for Author Exposure (09/10)

Bill Warrington’s Last Chance is a believable tale that boldly transcends beyond the dysfunctional family and coming-of-age venue by propelling an Alzheimer’s protagonist into a forceful melodrama of past, present, and future with credible momentum and an ostensibly inevitable conclusion.

Marcy, the protagonists's daughter, still clings to unresolved childhood memories despite her rigorous adherence to present conventional familial duties. Furthermore, this agitated adult daughter clearly rejects the perceptible decline of her elderly father, Bill Warrington. Angered by the dismissive and complacent attitude of her fraternal siblings, Mike and Nick, with whom haphazard communication remains a clichéd renewal of recurring arguments and failed efforts, she frantically clutches to her two vestiges of imagined success: motherhood and her career as a real estate agent. Marcy’s daughter, April, is confused by the subliminal messages passing from her frenzied mother to her obstinate grandfather and utilizes that uncanny adolescent charm to her benefit by cajoling an unpredictable grandfather to teach her how to drive. She believes if she learns to drive, her California fantasy could become reality, and she would shed this tedious, claustrophobic life by becoming a 15-year-old singer/songwriter.

And drive she does! In Bill's ancient Impala, April becomes an unsuspecting co-conspirator in her grandfather’s intrepid scheme to initiate one final attempt to reunite his acrimonious family before his erratic memory completely fails him.

“That’s what was happening. He wasn’t losing his memory; he was letting his memories have full reign, and, as a result, they simply took over sometimes.” (147)

Follow the Warrington clan on their indomitable, heart-breaking, humorous path as they search for their wayward father with April in tow, and experience their anguish as they unwillingly explore disparate descriptions of past events. Together they learn that mending flawed childhood memories requires fearless communication. This bewildering, topsy-turvy journey from a discordant past to reconciliation presents an astute parable for anyone that still bears a latent animosity toward a parent or sibling; hope is abundant, but time is not. Lastly, James King challenges those who have or will face that “long good-bye” with a family member to reflect upon what truly is essential in enduring relationships.

As a caregiver first to my mother, and now to my husband, not only could I relate to James King’s authentic depiction of the inevitable progression of Alzheimer’s, but also to the importance of a strong supportive sibling connection. My mother’s “long good-bye” lasted ten years, and I was most fortunate that my brother and sister shared that remarkable journey with me.

“She hoped that today, of all days, he wouldn’t be beyond her reach. She knew the day was coming when she’d never get him back.” (284)