'In a Strange Land' tackles a difficult yet increasingly common illness, dementia. The book addresses the matter in a practical way - as a guide for churches and members of their church who are suffering from dementia, which itself is not an easy topic to address. Malcolm's book combines the issues of the illness with the importance of making sure that the churches don't leave those suffering "alone and forsaken in a strange land".

Malcolm stresses that we are all held unconditionally in God's love and it is part of the ministry of churches to help people with dementia in a sensitive and compassionate way and to aid those caring for such people. This book explains some of the problems and issues connected with this life-changing condition, both from the perspective of the sufferer, the carers, their church leaders and members. It takes these matters from the first days of diagnosis through to the later stages in a hospital or care home. The book is in four main parts; firstly setting the scene, through trying to understand dementia, the response of the local church and a theological reflection.

Malcolm doesn't shy away from the hard questions, such as how do we as the body of Christ hold sufferers in love and in ways which support their own needs and vulnerability.

I hadn't considered the issue of how to provide meaningful worship, formal or informal, to those with dementia in order that they may be able to long continue their relationship with God. Yet I have recently watched a member of my congregation battle against the rapid decline which dementia causes. Malcolm has done so in a helpful and thoughtful way. If you are in any form of church leadership role get hold of a copy of this book - it's well worth having.