Thank You for an Inspiring Book Club Session

Cambridge Manor Care Home’s book club members were honoured and delighted to welcome author and illustrator Gillian McClure to this month’s meeting.

Gillian graciously joined residents to introduce her forthcoming book, Elsie and Elvis When We Grow Old, which is based on her own mother’s time in a care home.

Gillian took residents on a journey through the creative process showing her original story boards and a video of the story whilst explaining how her graphic novel came to life.

Gillian’s career as an author and illustrator spans four decades. Her books have been translated into many languages and Selkie, published originally by Doubleday, won the US Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Books. Gillian was introduced to Cambridge Manor’s monthly book club through her friend Judith Findlay who is the book club’s host.

The graphic novel, Elsie and Elvis When We Grow Old, explores life in a care home through the eyes of Elvis the dog when he goes to live with his mistress Elsie who is living with memory loss.

Gillian shared that her inspiration came from her mother's experiences with memory loss, adding a personal touch that profoundly impacted the residents.

During the session, attendees were captivated by Gillian's storytelling and the warmth she brought to the discussion.

They appreciated the opportunity to engage with her, sharing their own thoughts and experiences related to the themes of companionship and care. The interaction fostered a sense of connection and understanding among the residents, creating a memorable experience for all involved.

Resident Laurence said of the presentation and video, “it was very interesting to learn the difference between creating a graphic novel and writing a fictional novel, and how the pictures must match the words. As a former teacher it was good to have conversations, be asked our thoughts on the age group the book is pitched at and be able to give some feedback to the author.”

For Gillian, “The highlight of my talk to the book group at Cambridge Manor Care Home, run by Judith Findlay, was the discussion we had after a video showing of my graphic novel, Elsie and Elvis When We Grow Old.

I feared my audience might find my story ‘didn’t ring true’ or was too ‘close to home’ but I didn’t have to worry. The audience thought it was a very true portrayal of life in a care home. I also worried about the residents’ reaction to the ending of my story when Elsie is in bed and no longer able to look after Elvis.

It was Laurence, the only man in the book group, who wanted to talk about that. He’d been looking closely at the picture of Elsie in bed and said he thought her head was at a strange angle on the pillow and that she might be dead.

I said that I had tried to soften the ending, make it ambiguous, with Elsie simply asleep and not mention death, but the residents all agreed death needed to be talked about.

I came away from this book group with a surer feeling about the age of the readership of my book, and also a sense of privilege to have been given such insights by such a unique audience”.

Gillian’s visit not only sparked joy and reflection but also highlighted the importance of community and storytelling in our lives.

Residents and team members at Cambridge Manor are now eagerly anticipating the release of Elsie and Elvis When We Grow Old.

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