Polar Vortex: An illustrated story by Denise Dorrance

This is a beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel. It's sad and happy at the same time. It's hard to explain from someone who is experiencing dementia through a loved one. But it's definitely worth a read. Thank you.

Sweetly drawn, perfect and accessible visual storytelling of a poignant bittersweet set of developing relationships in adulthood. And parent-child dynamics and attachment in particular. The end result is a wonderful heart-rending but heartening book

This book is so clever, original, funny and touching. I read it in one sitting, and felt as if I'd watched a really compelling film. Denise Dorrance invokes such a strong sense of returning to a childhood home, of the USA and hospitals - even if you aren't personally affected by ageing or dementia doctor, you are bound to relate. Somehow she also makes it all hilarious, too. Thoroughly recommended.

I devoured every page of Polar Vortex. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Drawn from intense personal experience, Denise Dorrance has somehow found wry humour and surreal moments amidst the patho of caring for an elderly mother with dementia. The sum total is a genuine gem with each page offering a combination of at times breathtaking originality with shrewd observation. Buy one for everyone you know. This is my book of the year!

Such a beautifully depicted story which will resonate with so many people with elderly parents. Denise manages to combine humour (laugh out loud at times), with real pathos. She doesn't flinch from exposing her real thoughts (good and bad). It's brave, beautifully crafted and a real gem - I read it in 1 sitting and am sure to return to it. Buy!!

This is a brilliant take on what we all face - aging, aging parents, hospitals, health care systems and the lack of them, the simple sad truths of life and loss….beautifully conveyed with sight gags, snippets of Americana, a clever dry wit and a refreshing honesty and self awareness. A must read!

Moving, funny, beautiful. Read it on a perfect Sunday afternoon. Highly recommend.

This was an excellent read. Full of real emotion! Can imagine it being made into a film or theatre production - filled with beautiful imagery. Highly recommend!