Sheila Hale

I love this modern age when books may be ordered over the ether; it means that living in a quiet hamlet, such as Hemsby, does not impede one's ability to read the best literature available. It does, however, have one problem: the books are not always as one imagines them to be.

I saw the title, "Titian His Life" and I expected one of those books crammed with good illustrations and half a dozen words. when it arrived, thanks to a postie with a newly acquired hernia, I was amazed. This is a show more serious piece of historical biography and my first thought was, "Do I, as an interested party, rather than a serious student of the arts, want to read such a hefty biography?"

Fortunately, I am a tight wad and, having bought it, I was not about to waste my money: thank goodness for meanness! This is one of the best books that I have had the privilege of reading in many a month. Not only does one get a detailed, but never boring biography of Titian, but also an insight into life in sixteenth century Europe. This book adds to my understanding of both the history of the period and the significance of, not just Titian, but also the other luminaries of the age.

I would imagine that this book would be considered essential reading for anyone with even a passing interest in the history of painting, but if that is not you, please do not be put off from undertaking this monster book: it is an effort that will reward all who so do and I would like to thank Sheila Hale for a fortnight of pure pleasure! show less

John Hale was an eminent art historian, the author of numerous books, who in 1992, when he was 69, suffered a stroke which deprived him of language. This articulate man was abruptly reduced to being unable to say anything except "da whoas, da whoas". His wife Sheila then began a long struggle to restore him as far as possible to health.

Her initial experience of the NHS was profoundly discouraging so Sheila began to look for speech therapists who might be able to help. She soon found out that show more there is a huge range of ideas about speech disorders and how to treat them; and set about interviewing neurologists and language researchers to discover the latest ideas. Her experience as a journalist helped her in this undertaking.

The book has a number of facets. It is, first and foremost, a moving tribute to her husband—a love letter to John in fact. Secondly it consists of some quite technical descriptions of our present state of knowledge, or ignorance, about how the brain produces speech. Finally, it is also in part a bitter criticism of the inadequacy of the provision for stroke victims on the NHS.

If I hadn't been given this book I would almost certainly never picked it up. I found it quite moving but probably what I take away from it mostly is how speaking is something that nearly all of us takes for granted, yet is also something that can go wrong in so many ways. Sadly, John never recovered his speech.

Sheila was initially advised after his stroke to put him into a nursing home and forget all about him but refused to do so. John died seven years later, but those years were, it seems, very much worth having both for himself and for his family and friends, so at a time when the Western World seems hellbent on legalising euthanasia, it is also a timely reminder that, for some at least, there is still value to be had from continued life. show less

Some years ago my mother-in-law had a series of strokes, and they left her with a range of physical and mental impediments; I realised that I knew very little about Stroke, although it is a common affliction, so I determined to find out as much as I could about it. This book was one of several I read by or about people who had suffered strokes, and I learned a great deal from it. I also gained a great dread of having a stroke myself.
Sheila Hale writes with a great deal of anger,love, show more devotion and compassion and she demonstrates a stubborn determination to understand the condition and to restore her husband to normal life. show less

What road trips & tours we found when we used this guide in the 80's! Does it still work? Must see.