Walter Mosley's The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is commended for its poignant exploration of aging and memory, featuring a compelling protagonist and eloquent prose. Critics appreciate its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes. However, some find the plot pacing uneven. Overall, it is praised for its humanistic narrative and rich character development.

Readers who enjoy The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley likely appreciate character-driven narratives with deep emotional and psychological themes. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved or Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go will find similar introspective and poignant storytelling in Mosley's work.

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey follows ninety-one-year-old Ptolemy Grey, who struggles with memory loss and lives alone in a rundown Los Angeles neighborhood. After his caregiver and grand-nephew Reggie is killed, teenage Robyn becomes his new caretaker. With her help, Ptolemy takes an experimental drug to regain his memory for a final opportunity to right past wrongs. This novel explores dementia, elder care, and the impact of violence.

Emotional / Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Heartwarming

- The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey was adapted into a limited series by Apple TV+, starring Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role as Ptolemy Grey.
- The novel provides a unique exploration of aging and memory, reflecting Mosley's interest in examining social issues through the lens of personal narratives.
- Walter Mosley expressed that the concept of the story was partially inspired by his own experiences and reflections on aging and memory loss.

**Ptolemy Usher Grey**  
A ninety-one-year-old African American man in Los Angeles experiencing early dementia, often confused between past and present, who embarks on a journey to regain control over his life and memories.

**Robyn Small**  
An eighteen-year-old orphan who becomes Ptolemy's caregiver, helping him tidy his life and home, and forming a deep, affectionate bond with him.

**Coy "Coydog" McCann**  
An old sharecropper from Ptolemy's past whose memory and advice continue to guide Ptolemy, having left Ptolemy with a secret about hidden gold.

**Melinda Hogarth**  
A woman who lives near Ptolemy and has been intimidating and extorting money from him for years, while being largely unaware of the treasure in his possession.

**Doctor Bryant Ruben**  
A researcher offering Ptolemy an experimental treatment for memory recovery, presenting both potential benefits and ethical dilemmas.

**Hilda "Niecie" Brown**  
Ptolemy's grandniece, who attempts to support him by involving family members in his care, while also managing her own complex family dynamics.

**Hilliard "Hilly" Brown**  
Niecie’s son, reluctantly takes on the role of Ptolemy’s caretaker, characterized by his greedy and self-serving behavior.

**Nina Brown**  
Reggie's wife who is more concerned with her own desires than family, involved in complicated personal relationships.

**Alfred Gulla**  
Nina's boyfriend who becomes entangled in the lives of Ptolemy and his family, bringing conflict and danger.

Walter Mosley

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Pages 1-71

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