Chris Phillips has created a tender paean to his wife, Ashlyn, whose scattered comments also contribute to a narrative primarily focused on their struggles with her Huntington’s disease. Meeting in their later years, the couple fell in love immediately and with deep conviction. They shared many happy experiences, marrying a few years after their first meeting, acquiring a home, and enjoying travel—both overseas in Europe and often in an old model Mercedes while exploring their Australian homeland.

But this blissful period came to an end when, in her late fifties, Ashlyn began behaving strangely, constantly finding fault with her husband and spending their money irresponsibly. Falling was another dangerous effect of what they would later learn was HD. Though hereditary, it had not been talked about among her family, though it was certain her father had many of its symptoms. Ashlyn’s personality became unmanageably dark as her husband helplessly watched her refuse medications. Once she began to accept treatments, though, her behaviors became more stable. Almost miraculously, her therapies revealed an artistic talent that arose from the changes in her neural system.

Both authors have a professional background as psychologists, lending the book a firm, factual foundation in examining the ways that personality can be agonizingly distorted by neurological factors. Fortunately, Phillips can now declare that he enjoys occasional glimpses of the wonderful woman he married and still loves. Their short but emotive memoir offers much solid information about HD, such as its symptoms, medications, new research, and the effect it may have on those who love and care for its sufferers. With family photographs, a remarkable portrait painted by Ashlyn, and poignant poems by her husband, this work promises comfort and guidance to those who, like the Phillips family, are challenged by HD or similar, long-term, life-altering ailments.

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