Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “An Old Man’s Darling, A Memoir” by Deborah K. Shepherd, Heliotrope Books, May 2026

Deborah K. Shepherd, the Author of “An Old Man’s Darling, A Memoir” has written a heartfelt, honest, and unique book. The Author vividly and emotionally describes the locations, settings, and her unconventional relationship with a man that is 30 years older than her. The Author describes herself as a free spirit, and emotionally 21 years young, when she starts a relationship with a 55 unhappily married man. Deborah K Shepherd is Jewish and Bill is a businessman and an Episcopal Priest. The author describes their attraction, the beginning of their relationship, and their love affair. The author introduces us to her family, and we meet the characters in his family. A few times, the timeline shifts rapidly, ( and the characters are different or in a different setting) and I felt somewhat confused for a moment.

There are obvious differences, and I appreciate that the author describes the positive qualities that the couple have. The couple become parents first, and marry later, when Bill is finally free from his wife. The Author certainly has patience, empathy and compassion. The Author also reflects on later years, where there financial problems. This was an intriguing and thought-provoking memoir. The author reflects on her twenty year relationship, and the past, present and future. I recommend this unusual memoir.