Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Dr Gavin Francis. No Advance Reader Copy included. No affiliate links used. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Dr Gavin Francis is a meditation on recovery and convalescence. Drawing on his experience as a general practitioner and the time he spent recovering from childhood illness and injury, Dr Francis makes a compelling case for a renewed focus on the time it takes people to recover and heal from all manner of ailments.
I read this while recuperating from my second bout of Covid during the summer, and much of the guidance for recovering from mild cases of Covid boils down to taking things as easy as you can for as long as you can. Even after your initial symptoms have passed. Which I was lucky to be able to do. Many people do not have the same luxury due to family, work, and other caring responsibilities. This disparity in who is allowed the time, space, and slower pace of life needed during recovery is a central theme of the book.
Dr Francis discusses the history of convalescent hospitals and rest cures. He is clear that not all ‘rest cures’ were created equally and that women were subjected to ‘rest cures’ at much higher rates than men. We can thank our old friend misogyny for that! Yet, rest still has a role in Western medicine. Although, the medical system isn’t structured with rest in mind.
At just over 100 pages, Recovery is an easy but informative read full of empathy, wisdom, and hope. It would make an excellent present for people, given the time of year!
Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Dr Gavin Francis is published by Wellcome Collection and is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook format.
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