Oliver Sacks revolutionised the way in which health, and therefore illness, is conceived of and written about. This holds especially true for his writing about certain neurological conditions, which joins the seemingly unbridgeable chasm between those who have these conditions and those who do not.

In the hands of a lesser writer, or a less compassionate neurologist, his case histories could easily have been chronicles of strangeness, and nothing more. However, in his hands, they became humane portraits exploring some of the deepest metaphysical and existential questions that are intimately connected to all of humanity.

It follows, then, that Sacks was a remarkable man. In this, his second autobiography (following Uncle Tungsten), Sacks gives an honest, engaging account of himself that allows his readers to see the man behind his work.

The memoir covers Sacks’ early experiences as a boy subjected to painful bullying in boarding school, and his relationship with his schizophrenic brother. It follows his move to the United States from England in the 1960s, his development as a scientist and a writer, as well as his romantic relationships and many friendships.

The book followed Sacks’ courageous essay in the New York Times, announcing his imminent death from cancer, and is all the more significant for this.

Published in 2015.