The Unmapped Mind

The Unmapped Mind

A Memoir of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis and Learning How to Live

Summary

'Remarkable and revelatory, a dazzling achievement. Quietly electrifying' Sunday Times

On the day his daughter takes her first steps Christian Donlan discovers he has an incurable neurological disease, multiple sclerosis. As his young daughter starts to investigate the world around her, he too finds himself exploring a new landscape - the shifting and bewildering territory of the brain.

Determined to master his new environment, Christian takes us on a fascinating and illuminating journey: through the history of neurology, the joys and anxieties of parenthood, and the ultimate realisation of what, after everything you take for granted has been stripped away from you, is truly important in life.

'This is not a tale of tragedy but one of re-engaging with the world - or realising what's truly important' Stylist

'An amazing and wonderful piece of writing. I could not put it down' Claire Tomalin

'Frank, thought-provoking and uplifting. Will resonate with other people with MS, and also, so importantly, with their family and friends... an invaluable resource' The Times Literary Supplement

Reviews

  • An amazing and wonderful piece of writing. I could not put it down
    Claire Tomalin

About the author

Christian Donlan

Christian Donlan is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the New Statesman, Edge magazine and Vice, amongst other places. He is a features editor at Eurogamer.net. He lives in Brighton with his family.
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