Poetry book challenges mainstream media portrayal
In the palm of a spider’s hand by Gerald King, who was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at 55, aims to challenge the dehumanising narratives about dementia perpetuated by mainstream media. This publication seeks to redefine how we understand and engage with the lived dementia experience. King’s words liken Alzheimer’s to “still waters laced with rough skinned crocodiles,” question “why me?” and highlight the vital importance of comfort, kindness, patience and understanding.
Mainstream media too often reduces people with dementia to passive, voiceless shadows – an image perpetuated by stock photos of vacant faces and constant dependency. But In the palm of a spider’s hand, written entirely post-diagnosis by Gerald King, is a testament to the untapped potential of many living with dementia.
King’s work is not just poetry; it pushes back against a narrative that too often writes off people with dementia as incapable or unable. His words are living proof that creativity and contribution don’t end upon diagnosis – they evolve.
Nichole Fernandez’s pivotal Images of Care study highlights the problem: media depictions of people with dementia overwhelmingly focus on dependency and decline, erasing their humanity and potential. But Gerald King’s book – envisioned, edited, designed and published by boom saloon, with print sponsorship from Canon, showcases the raw, unfiltered reality of living with dementia; a reality that is rich with emotion, intellect and creativity.
This publication is a call for more compassionate and accurate representations of dementia; to start a new conversation that empowers those living with the condition rather than marginalising them.
With an ageing population and rising dementia rates, the stories we tell – and how we tell them – matter more than ever. Gerald King’s poetry challenges perceptions, inspires action and reminds us of the strength and potential that lie within many living with the condition.
Sales of the book support boom saloon’s ongoing work to rewrite the story of dementia, via community projects which use creativity to inspire those facing challenges. Preorder via the website.
