• motor neuron disease

The Edinburgh Neurology Book Club recently read Edward Docx’s novel ‘Let Go My Hand’. Docx writes about one father’s experiences with motor neurone disease (MND), taking us on a turbulent family journey as they make their way to Dignitas in Switzerland. Although fictional, we note Docx has drawn from real life experiences through his acknowledgement of patient/family meetings and discussion with specialist staff, including named neurology Professor Kevin Talbot. This insight and basis on real patients provides a highly thought provoking and moving read.

Written as a first-person narrative, character Louis Lasker describes his father’s journey with MND. We first explore this father–son relationship, reflecting on Louis’ admiration and respect for his father through recollections of past adventures together. This contrasts starkly with the grave reality facing them and with their altering relationship as Louis adopts a carer role. Louis’ brothers make their entrances in surprisingly entertaining …