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A review by portybelle
Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Gavin Francis
4.0
Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence is a lovely little book full of insight and wise words about why and how our bodies need to recover following illness.
The book considers what we understand by recovery both now and in the past. Florence Nightingale said that to recover people need “fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet”. Between 1800 and 1914, number of hospitals in UK quadrupled but by contrast, since 1988 hospital bed numbers have halved. Yet a safe place to recover is still essential. Gavin Francis mentions convalescent hospitals including a few which are (or were) in Edinburgh. I remember my Gran being in one such convalescent hospital following a hip operation in the 1980s. Like many grand Victorian buildings, it’s now expensive luxury apartments.
There were a few parts which really stood out to me and this point in particular. In years gone by, those who could afford it travelled to warmer climes to improve their health or went to the seaside to take in the air. That’s not something which is possible for most people these days. Gavin Francis quotes Tolkien who said that reading “acts as a holiday and refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence… It works wonders in some cases.”. I very much approve of that sentiment of course. I think that over the past couple of years many more people have appreciated the power of books to give us a rest from everyday life.
The book is fascinating and perceptive and acknowledges that healing and recovery isn’t just about the physical body but also the mind. “To flourish we have to build in moments of rest and reflection.”. As well as lots of practical advice for recovery, it carries an important message about recognising when you need recovery, bring kind to yourself and allowing yourself time to convalesce.
The book considers what we understand by recovery both now and in the past. Florence Nightingale said that to recover people need “fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet”. Between 1800 and 1914, number of hospitals in UK quadrupled but by contrast, since 1988 hospital bed numbers have halved. Yet a safe place to recover is still essential. Gavin Francis mentions convalescent hospitals including a few which are (or were) in Edinburgh. I remember my Gran being in one such convalescent hospital following a hip operation in the 1980s. Like many grand Victorian buildings, it’s now expensive luxury apartments.
There were a few parts which really stood out to me and this point in particular. In years gone by, those who could afford it travelled to warmer climes to improve their health or went to the seaside to take in the air. That’s not something which is possible for most people these days. Gavin Francis quotes Tolkien who said that reading “acts as a holiday and refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence… It works wonders in some cases.”. I very much approve of that sentiment of course. I think that over the past couple of years many more people have appreciated the power of books to give us a rest from everyday life.
The book is fascinating and perceptive and acknowledges that healing and recovery isn’t just about the physical body but also the mind. “To flourish we have to build in moments of rest and reflection.”. As well as lots of practical advice for recovery, it carries an important message about recognising when you need recovery, bring kind to yourself and allowing yourself time to convalesce.