Molly Jong-Fast Reveals Family Struggles in New Memoir

NEW YORK, NY — Author Molly Jong-Fast has released her new memoir, “How to Lose Your Mother,” detailing the profound challenges faced during the worst year of her life. The memoir captures a tumultuous period in 2023 when her family faced multiple health crises.

In the book, Jong-Fast recounts a week marked by urgent medical emergencies that started with her elderly diabetic dog, Spartacus, suffering a grand mal seizure. This event came just after she and her husband signed a power of attorney for her aging parents, whose health was rapidly declining due to dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Jong-Fast reflects on the struggles of caring for her mother, Erica Jong, a well-known author, and her stepfather, who were both facing severe health issues. “Mom could still remember who I was, but often not a lot else,” she writes, highlighting the emotional strain of watching her once vibrant mother fade away.

The week spiraled further when her husband, Matt, was diagnosed with a pancreatic mass that doctors suggested could be cancer. “They found a mass on my pancreas,” he told her in a 3:00 a.m. phone call, prompting deep fear and uncertainty about their shared future.

Despite the turmoil, Jong-Fast injects moments of humor into her narrative, demonstrating her ability to cope with overwhelming grief and fear. She writes about her mother’s earlier fame and their complex relationship, emphasizing how the line between caregiver and child can blur when roles reverse as parents age.

In an emotional exploration of loss and resilience, Jong-Fast ultimately aims to offer comfort to readers facing similar familial challenges. “I wrote the book to help people,” she states, providing an intimate look into the inevitable part of life that is aging and death.

“How to Lose Your Mother” serves as both a personal memoir and a universal commentary on the struggles of caring for aging loved ones, echoing themes of love and loss that resonate deeply with families everywhere.