One-line Summary:

Left Neglected is a compelling novel that explores the life of Sarah Nickerson, a successful career woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury, leaving her with a condition called “left neglect” and forcing her to reevaluate her priorities and find a new sense of purpose.

Discovering the Unseen World of Left Neglect

Left Neglected, written by Lisa Genova, takes readers on a captivating journey into the life of Sarah Nickerson, a highly ambitious and successful career woman. Sarah’s life is turned upside down when she gets into a car accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury. The injury causes her to develop a condition called “left neglect,” where her brain is unable to perceive anything on the left side of her body or in her left visual field. This gripping novel delves into Sarah’s struggle to adapt to her new reality and find meaning in her life.

Sarah Nickerson is a woman who seemingly has it all – a loving husband, three children, and a demanding job as a vice president at a high-powered consulting firm. She is constantly juggling her responsibilities and striving for perfection in every aspect of her life. However, her hectic lifestyle comes to a screeching halt when she gets into a car accident on a snowy morning. The accident leaves her with a traumatic brain injury that causes her brain to ignore the left side of her body and the left visual field.

As Sarah wakes up in the hospital, she is confronted with the harsh reality of her condition. She struggles to perform even the simplest tasks, such as brushing her teeth or getting dressed, as her brain fails to acknowledge the existence of her left side. Left neglect becomes a constant obstacle in her life, forcing her to rely on the help of her family and a dedicated team of therapists.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation

Left Neglected is not just a story about a woman coping with a physical disability; it is a tale of self-discovery and transformation. As Sarah navigates the challenges of her new reality, she begins to question the values and priorities that have driven her life thus far. She realizes that her relentless pursuit of success and perfection has come at the expense of her relationships and personal well-being.

Through her journey, Sarah learns to appreciate the small joys in life and finds solace in the simple moments of connection with her family. She forms a deep bond with her physical therapist, who helps her regain her independence and teaches her valuable life lessons along the way. Sarah’s journey of self-discovery ultimately leads her to a new sense of purpose and a reevaluation of what truly matters in life.

Key Takeaways:

• Left Neglected explores the challenges faced by individuals with left neglect, a condition that affects their ability to perceive the left side of their body or visual field.
• The novel highlights the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment, rather than constantly striving for perfection and success.
• Left Neglected emphasizes the significance of human connection and the power of relationships in finding fulfillment and purpose in life.

“I’m learning that the present is all I have. The past and the future are illusions, figments of my faulty memory and my overly optimistic imagination.”

In conclusion, Left Neglected is a thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Through the eyes of Sarah Nickerson, readers gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals with left neglect and the importance of finding meaning and fulfillment in life. Lisa Genova’s compelling storytelling and vivid portrayal of Sarah’s journey make Left Neglected a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience.