The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

The provided text is an extended excerpt from the novel, "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley, containing the book's front matter, including its dedication and a list of the author's other works. The majority of the excerpt focuses on the narrative, following Ptolemy Grey, an elderly man with severe memory issues, as he is cared for by his great-grandniece, Robyn. Key events include the death of Ptolemy's nephew, Reggie, whom he suspects was murdered, and Ptolemy's decision to undergo a mysterious medical treatment to temporarily restore his full mental clarity, allowing him to settle his affairs and execute a plan involving a hidden treasure. The narrative also frequently weaves in Ptolemy's painful memories of his youth in the segregated South, particularly involving his uncle Coydog and the traumatic death of a childhood friend. Ultimately, Ptolemy ensures that his wealth, derived from stolen gold, is passed to Robyn to benefit his family, despite the understanding that the medication will sho