Left Neglected
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Lisa Genova |
| Products | Book |
| Website | www |
Left Neglected is a 2011 novel authored by Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist, marking her second published book.
Heller McAlpin, writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, characterized the work as a narrative centered on recovery from neglect in familial, emotional, and neurological dimensions.
Story
The plot centers on Sarah Nickerson, a 37-year-old woman who develops left neglect following a car crash caused by distracted driving. The story juxtaposes her hectic lifestyle prior to the accident with the difficulties she encounters afterward. In the aftermath of her injury, Sarah adapts to living with her condition and reexamines previously overlooked parts of her life, which is echoed in the novel’s title. To accommodate their changed circumstances, Sarah and her husband modify their professional commitments and relocate to a weekend residence in Vermont.
The novel critiques suburban materialism and the excessive demands of overworking, emphasizing how these factors foster personal neglect.
Craig Wilson of USA Today remarked that the conclusion provides a cautiously hopeful outcome.
Characters
- Sarah Nickerson – The main character residing in Welmont, a fictional suburb near Boston
- Bob Nickerson – Sarah’s husband, working at a startup
- Charlie Nickerson – Their seven-year-old son
- Lucy Nickerson – Their daughter, aged five or six
- Linus Nickerson – Their infant son, nine months old
- Sarah's mother – Initially estranged before the accident; later moves in to support Sarah
Reception
Jessica Treadway from The Boston Globe commended Left Neglected for its insightful depiction of a rarely discussed medical disorder alongside an inspiring tale of perseverance, though she acknowledged some plot points might appear somewhat overly tidy to some readers. Carla Lucchetta of The Globe and Mail praised the accurate portrayal of left side neglect but found the narrative less immediate compared to Genova's Still Alice. Heller McAlpin described the book as "engaging and empathetic—though not especially nuanced." Craig Wilson of USA Today referred to it as "a well-crafted story from an astute medical perspective," while Publishers Weekly noted its accessibility exceeds that of Still Alice.
Further reading
- Hagestadt, Emma. "Left Neglected, By Lisa Genova." The Independent. March 11, 2011.
- Holstine, Lesa. "Genova, Lisa. Left Neglected." (book review). Library Journal, Nov 15, 2010, Vol.135(19), p. 59(1).
- Leber, Michele. "Left Neglected." Booklist, Dec 1, 2010, Vol.107(7), p. 26(1).
- Traylor, Beth. "Genova, Lisa. Left Neglected." Library Journal, April 15, 2011, Vol.136(7), p. 56(2) - Audiobook review.
External links
- Left Neglected – Official Website of Lisa Genova