This volume is the screenplay of the popular romantic comedy film and includes ten intertwined love stories set in contemporary London just before Christmas.
The story centers on Claire Ryan, a woman who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. As her memory begins to fade, she starts writing a "Memory Book" – a scrapbook of mementos and stories – as a way to preserve her life and memories for her daughters and husband. The narrative explores the emotional journey of Claire and her family as they deal with the devastating effects of the disease, highlighting the importance of family and cherishing memories.
Set in Kenya during the 1950s Mau Mau period, the novel follows two main characters: a boy attending a "white" boarding school (the Duke of York school in Nairobi) and a rehabilitated Kikuyu ex-terrorist who continued his education in Russia. The story is noted for its accurate depiction of colonial life and the complexities of political transition in Kenya.
The title of this book is taken from the Caduceus, the ancient emblem of physicians, a winged staff entwined with serpents of wisdom.But handsome, talented Dr Duncan Childers has to travel a long and perilous way before he can wear that emblem with honour and pride.
