The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

The title is by no means metaphorical or intentionally absurdist. Such a case really did happen. The author of the book, an American physician and neuropsychologist, describes interesting cases from his practice.

He writes about the difficulties people face, providing both the medical explanation and the subjective, human side of illness. Oliver Sacks treats his patients with delicacy and respect, trying to find an individual approach to each. After all, the people he observes are not insane — that would even be simple. They clearly understand that something is wrong with them, but because of some physical defect they cannot do anything about it. And all that remains for them is to learn to adapt to life under more difficult conditions.