Different strokes

KOCHI: Everything seemed almost perfect in Dr George Jacob’s world until a paralysing stroke brought it crashing down. As a gastrointestinal surgeon in his prime, the stroke - literally and figuratively a harsh body blow - effectively ended his career. After a long spell of physical pain and emotional angst, George took to writing. It offered him succour and became a passion.‘Desert Christmas – The Diary of a Stroke Survivor’ is his second book after ‘Kaleidoscope of a Stroke Survivor’ published in 2015, about 10 years after he suffered the stroke.  In the new book, he talks about a holiday he took with his family to Sharjah in 2013, while he was still grappling with the insecurities of his condition.

The 70-page book delves into the anxieties felt by someone who feels disabled, so much so, we are made aware of how they have to think over and plan for the many simple things we take for granted. And it is humbling to know a condition can reduce even a top doctor to something of a nervous wreck.

George also puts his wry sense of humour to good use and the vivid moments of ‘OCD’ he displays – will the suitcases reach okay, will they rip open in transit, will he be separated from his family? – drive wife Mallie mad, but make him hilariously identifiable with.

The book gives a good sense of a middle-class family’s trip to the UAE; they are awed by the malls and the sights, and nervous about buying anything. There are Christmas parties and gentle, traditional family moments.   ‘Desert Christmas’ offers a pleasant, quick read. Now, George could try his hand at something heftier and a little more rousing.The book is available to buy on http://notionpress.com/read/desert-christmas

The book delves into the anxieties felt by someone who feels disabled, so much so, we are made aware of how they have to think over and plan for the many simple things we take for granted