In a Strange Land is a refreshing mix of practical tools for working with individuals with dementia within the church, and a reminder of the compassion deserving of any individual suffering from an illness. Malcolm Goldsmith clearly has a grasp of dementia and the role of the church as a support mechanism for the spiritual needs of the individual and family.

The first half of the book is dedicated to an overview of dementia, including demographics, symptomology, and both positive and negative experiential factors of the illness. Goldsmith also discusses how dementia affects the lives of individuals, caregivers and the church. It is apparent that he has extensive personal and professional knowledge of both the illness and religion. He brilliantly combines this knowledge with research to create a work that will prove useful to professionals and laypersons alike.

The book is segmented into four parts. The first part, although only one chapter, is nonetheless influential as it draws the reader in on a very personal level by examining historical examples throughout Biblical times of people overcoming religious exile. Goldsmith then goes on to explain how, for the person with dementia, their family, caregivers and the church, this may seem like a time of exile from the world. This part ends with a discussion of a new model that leaves the reader wanting to continue on.

Part two discusses the specifics of the illness, coupling specific research findings with examples regarding the effects of dementia. The author discusses the role the church can play throughout, but stresses that church leaders and members must have a grasp of dementia from a medical, psychological, social and spiritual perspective. It is through this holistic approach that Goldsmith imparts the message of the church's success in a communicative and supporting role.

In the next section the author addresses faith questions church members may have regarding God and the occurrence of such a devastating illness as dementia. He responds by discussing in-depth the role of spirituality throughout all phases of a person's life. He concludes by giving churches doable suggestions for outreach and worship.

Goldsmith ends the book by once again drawing the reader back to a personal level through reflection on theology and our role as spiritual beings in thought and action in the world. Understanding the emotional aspects of loss felt by all those connected to a person suffering from dementia, he ends with two service examples designed to help in the transition from home and family caregiving to a professional care setting. The reader is left feeling that the circle is complete in terms of understanding dementia and the roles the church can play.