Speechless: My recovery from stroke

At the age of 43, Jennifer Gordon suffered a debilitating stroke that robbed her of the power of speech. What was it like for an intelligent, articulate, imaginative woman to find herself in a world where she could no longer communicate? Speechless tells this story. It describes the often puzzling symptoms leading to the stroke; the shock, then denial, then acceptance of the stroke itself; the periods of hostitalisation and rehabilitation and the long journey back to a 'normal' life. The author experiences despair at being dependent on others; resentment at being judged because she is different; frustration at the need for intense concentration to do even simple things; grief as she becomes aware of a loss of personality; and joy at each small step towards regaining what she has lost. Speechless is written with dignity, honesty and humour in a way that evokes empathy but never pity. Anyone who has ever been a patient will feel they can relate in some small way to Jennifer Gordon's feelings of helplessness, anger, fear and gratitude as doctors, nurses, orderlies, therapists and hospital workers cross her path. Because of this, the book is enlightening reading for all health care professionals as well as relatives and friends and the patients themselves.