" Although my father’s mother, Nancy, has dementia, and her experiences gave me ideas for some of the scenes in the book, it was my mother’s mother, Vera, who most influenced the character of Maud. Vera died in 2008, before I’d gotten very far into writing ‘Elizabeth Is Missing,’ but her voice is very like Maud’s. "
- Emma Healey

In this excerpt, Emma Healey reflects on how her family members inspired characters in her book "Elizabeth Is Missing." She mentions that although her grandmother Nancy's experience with dementia influenced some scenes in the novel, it was her other grandmother, Vera, who had a more profound impact on shaping the character of Maud. This influence is significant enough for Healey to note that Maud's voice resembles Vera's.

The deeper meaning behind this quote lies in the lasting legacy that family members leave behind through their experiences and personalities. Despite Vera’s death before the book was completed, her voice and essence continued to shape the narrative and character development in a meaningful way. This suggests how personal connections and familial bonds can significantly influence creative processes, often transcending temporal boundaries. It also highlights the enduring impact of loved ones' voices and stories on an author's work, even long after they are no longer physically present.

Emma Healey is an accomplished British novelist known for her debut novel "Elizabeth Is Missing," which explores themes of dementia through a poignant narrative lens. Her quote reflects her deep personal connection to these themes, as she draws inspiration from the lives and experiences of her own family members in crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers on both emotional and intellectual levels.