The Man who Lost His Language is a compelling exploration of aphasia - losing the ability to use or comprehend words - as well as of the resilience of love.When Sir John Hale suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk, write or speak, his wife, Shelia, followed every available medical trail seeking knowledge of his condition and how he might be restored to health. This revised edition of a classic book includes an additional chapter detailing the latest developments in science and medicine since the first edition was published.This personal account of one couple's experiences will be of interest to all those who want to know more about aphasia and related conditions.'The Man Who Lost his Language belongs on the same shelf as Jean-Dominique Bauby describing the stroke that left him paralysed except for one eyelid, Robert McCrum on the one from which he recovered, and John Bayley's account of Iris Murdoch's dementia. But it outstrips them all.'- Jonathan Rée, The IndependentHeartfelt, passionate
a beautifully written and extremely interesting book'- Jessica Mann, Literary Review'An extraordinary achievement: a moving account of an intimate relationship, and a rigorous investigation into the most up-to-date medical theories and treatments of a mysterious affliction. It raises all kinds of questions about language, communication and the brain. Most remarkable, it's full of jokes and surprises. I keep on thinking what a good movie it would make.'- Anthony Sampson'An intimate account of what happens when the person you love and lived a lifetime with is struck by a stroke. It weaves the emotional, the practical and the technical into a highly readable book.'- Jon Snow'A moving and frightening book, with implications that go well beyond the personal trauma that gave rise to it.'- Economist'A lucid and fascinating account of Sheila Hale's search to understand the causes and nature of loss of speech
instructive and moving.'- Nicholas Mosley, Daily Telegraph'When Sheila Hale's husband John suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk, write or speak normally she embarked on a battle to restore him to normal life. This book shows how she followed every medical trail seeking knowledge of his condition, and at the same time maintained an extraordinary loving intimacy with him. She tells their joint story with rare intelligence and feeling.'- Claire Tomalin'An extraordinary and touching achievement.'- Jonathan Miller'Moving and sometimes angry
Anger, however, does not dominate this moving book: love, devotion and sadness do.'- Theodore Dalrymple, Sunday Telegraph'A triumph
a classic in the same way that Oliver Sacks's Awakenings is.'- Michael Frayn'Sheila Hale's book enlarges the language of love.'- Brenda Maddox'One of the most remarkable additions to the literature of illness in our time.'- Robert McCrum, The Times'A luminous biographical memoir and an enthralling testament of love... No one can help wondering what surprises the next heartbeat may bring. Sheila Hale's acute and compassionate book makes the unknown country seem a little less desolate.'- The Independent'A moving insight into the redemption of a great man... provocative - and uplifting.'-Robin McKie, The Observer'I was left moved by this subtle, engaging and devoted memoir.'- The Times Literary Supplement
