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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Oliver Sacks
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Essays
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Summary
A classic work of psychology, this international best seller provides a groundbreaking insight into the human mind. With an introduction by Will Self.
If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self - himself - he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it.
In this extraordinary audiobook, Dr. Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients struggling to adapt to often bizarre worlds of neurological disorder. Here are people who can no longer recognise everyday objects or those they love; who are stricken with violent tics or shout involuntary obscenities, and yet are gifted with uncanny artistic or mathematical talents. If inconceivably strange, these brilliant tales illuminate what it means to be human.
A provocative exploration of the mysteries of the human mind, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a million-copy best seller by the 20th century's greatest neurologist.
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What listeners say about The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- D. John
- 16-09-19
Good book, slightly let down by the narration
the narration is a but too monotone to remain engaged over long periods, but If broken up it is a great listen!
5 people found this helpful
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- Kate E-J
- 27-01-19
Fantastic listen!
This book was an amazing listen - the stories were interesting and different from anything I've read before. Sacks' accounts of his different patients are written so you can really imagine the patients there with you. It's really eye-opening about the world of neurological disorders and the methods that doctors can use to try and diagnose and treat the conditions. Definitely worth listening, and brilliant value on audible!
4 people found this helpful
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- Edward
- 22-12-20
In Parts
The storytelling of Sacks' is a joy to listen to, but not something to binge, listen to a chapter, perhaps two and take time to reflect on what has been shared. It's a close narration of Sacks' encounters with patients which I am glad he invited us all to hear, though there is a patch of perhaps a little too much jargon near the beginning.
If like myself you've heard this book mentioned for many years, give it a try.
3 people found this helpful
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- Scott at the Junction
- 23-02-19
beauiful
A beautiful book about humanity, occasionally a bit thick with medical language.
Sacks is an inspiration for us all.
3 people found this helpful
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- eve
- 16-11-20
The best narrator, for a great book
Many psychological books are often unbearable to listen, but it couldn't be in greater contrast to this!
It is a must read for anyone interested in wonders of human brain, behaviour, and neurology.
I'm glad I've chosen audio for this, as it's a pleasure to listen - I wish this narrator read all the books! It's friendly, engaging, reflective and feels so easy and natural to listen, as if you were talking to him in person. Even my teenage daughter started to listen to this with me - those who have witnessed uncanny criticism of a teen, will understand what a great compliment it is to this great read.
2 people found this helpful
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- Matt Cook
- 04-10-20
Very interesting and inciteful!
Very good listen, really enjoyed the different story elements and how they fed into the wider narrative.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 18-08-20
Beautiful book
One of the most profound books I have ever read. So important in many ways, it gave a new perspective on the mystery of humanity and the lives we all live, not just those with neurological conditions. Very humbling. Thank you, Oliver Sachs!
1 person found this helpful
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- H W
- 05-03-20
Delightful
I read this as I started medical school and it was delightful to read again 10 years later!
1 person found this helpful
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- Zada
- 09-06-19
ramblings of an old doctor with few points
only two stories in the first 6 hours are worth listening to and one of those is on the title! stopped listening after that
2 people found this helpful
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- Emily Bell
- 04-04-22
Interesting but dated.
Fascinating as long as you take much of the terminology and opinions with a pinch of salt, knowing this is a 40 year old piece of work. But definitely worth a read.
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- Adeline
- 27-01-21
Amazing insights
Fascinating insights into the way in which people experience the world. Interesting insights into the correlations of music and the brain. Enjoyed it and plan to listen to it again.