Letters by Oliver Sacks review – science, sex and motorcycles

In a recent exploration of Oliver Sacks’ extraordinary life through his correspondence, we catch a glimpse of the kaleidoscopic world and diverse interests of this acclaimed neurologist. Ralf Webb reflects on Sacks’ journey starting in 1960 when the 27-year-old University of Oxford graduate arrived in San Francisco, motivated by both professional aspirations and personal liberation.

Born in Cricklewood, London, Sacks struggled with the rigid structure of English academic medicine, which he felt was suffocating for a burgeoning neurologist. Describing the professional landscape as a “tight and tedious” ladder, he sought refuge across the Atlantic in America’s promise of space and freedom—visions inspired by Ansel Adams and Steinbeck’s Cannery Row.

As Webb illustrates, Sacks’ arrival in San Francisco marked the inception of his writing career, fueled by a desire to meet his artistic idol, poet Thom Gunn. Sacks was not just a doctor in training but a young queer man drawn to the liberating culture of California. The poetry of Gunn, particularly in “The Sense of Movement,” resonated deeply with Sacks, helping him navigate the complexities of his emotional landscape.

In Sacks’ own words, he once admitted to his parents, “I am not a good correspondent, because I speak and write at people rather than to them.” This candid reflection perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Letters,” a compilation of over five decades of correspondence intended for an array of recipients, from family and friends to fellow scientists and celebrities. Edited by Kate Edgar, who spent over 20 years as Sacks’ editorial assistant, the collection showcases an intellectual engaged in vibrant discourse across diverse subjects including botany, neurology, and even the complexities of Star Trek.

Despite the occasional gaps in these letters—marked by ellipses that hint at interrupted thoughts—the work leaves readers with a powerful impression of a brilliant mind eager to connect with the world around him. Sacks’ writing style is engaging, inquisitive, and often laced with humor. “Letters” is structured thematically and chronologically, providing a narrative flow that keeps readers captivated, perhaps even more so than his autobiographical work “On the Move.”

Sacks’ journey into the literary world synced with his professional path. In the late 1960s, after moving to New York, he treated patients suffering from encephalitis lethargica with an experimental drug called L-dopa. This experience led to his second book, “Awakenings,” blending scientific inquiry with heartfelt storytelling—a combination that resonated with the public, ultimately solidifying his status as a bestselling author.

With a penchant for excess evident in his correspondence, Sacks didn’t just talk about his professional feats; he proudly shared details about his weight, powerlifting, and even his escapades involving amphetamines and psychotropic substances. Yet, as he matured, those self-indulgent habits transformed into an intense work ethic driven by a profound loneliness.

Sacks candidly acknowledged that his avoidance of intimacy had been a barrier in his life, a reflection of internalized homophobia that had plagued him. It wasn’t until later in life, through an unexpected connection with writer Bill Hayes, that he experienced genuine companionship after decades of celibacy.

Webb paints a touching yet bittersweet picture of Sacks, a man who traversed continents in search of understanding and connection. Ultimately, “Letters” serves as both a testament to Sacks’ intellect and his quest for companionship—a life lived passionately and profoundly.

Ralf Webb is the author of “Strange Relations: Masculinity, Sexuality and Art in Mid-Century America.” “Letters” by Oliver Sacks, edited by Kate Edgar, is available through Picador.