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Uncle Tungsten

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About this listen

In Uncle Tungsten, Oliver Sacks evokes, with warmth and wit, his upbringing in wartime England. He tells of the large science-steeped family who fostered his early fascination with chemistry. There follow his years at boarding school where, though unhappy, he developed the intellectual curiosity that would shape his later life. And we hear of his return to London, an emotionally bereft 10-year-old who found solace in his passion for learning.

Uncle Tungsten radiates all the delight and wonder of a boy’s adventures and is an unforgettable portrait of an extraordinary young mind.

©2018 Oliver Sacks (P)2011 Audible, Inc Brain & Nervous System Medical Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Physical Illness & Disease Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health England

Critic reviews

"If you did not think that gallium and iridium could move you, this superb book will change your mind." (The Times)
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A few mispronoutiations, but well compensated by the memories it brought back of my days learning fun chemistry.

It's Chemical

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If you needed any confirmation that the author was neurodivergent, this was it. Although anecdotes from his early life were interesting, the prolonged discussions about the elements on the periodic table and their qualities would only be exciting for those for whom this is their area of interest or expertise. The author was English yet the narrator was American: a bad choice in my view.

Incredibly Boring but good for getting to sleep

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