Explore the extraordinary friendship between Dr. Oliver Sacks and Dr. Susan Barry, as revealed through their letters in the book 'Dear Oliver'. Discover their shared intellectual curiosity, deep connection, and unwavering zest for life.
The Unlikely Friendship of Oliver Sacks and Stereo Sue
( Credit to: Telegraph )
Dr. Oliver Sacks and Dr. Susan Barry formed an extraordinary friendship that defied expectations. Their unique bond, as revealed through their letters in the book 'Dear Oliver,' showcases their shared intellectual curiosity, deep connection, and unwavering zest for life.
Despite initial skepticism from some, Dr. Sacks's compassionate advocacy for the voiceless is evident in his work. Dr. Barry, known as 'Stereo Sue,' was born cross-eyed and spent nearly five decades seeing the world in 2D. However, a breakthrough in her mid-40s allowed her to see the world in its full depth, a transformation she eagerly shared with Dr. Sacks.
A Meeting of Brilliant Minds
Dr. Barry reached out to Dr. Sacks to share her remarkable journey and help others with stereo blindness. To her surprise, Dr. Sacks not only believed her but also became a supportive friend. Their letters, filled with intellectual discussions and shared interests, reveal a deep connection between two brilliant minds.
Throughout their correspondence, Dr. Sacks and Dr. Barry explore a wide range of topics, from the sentience of ferns to the visual capacity of squid. They bond over their love for playing Bach on the piano, devouring books, and engaging in philosophical debates. Their shared wonder at the marvels of the universe is contagious, and their witty puns bring laughter and joy.
A Lasting Friendship and Shared Resilience
As their friendship blossomed, Dr. Sacks became a mentor and avuncular figure for Dr. Barry. They shared moments swimming in bioluminescent waters and savoring plates of smoked salmon while discussing life's mysteries. Their letters demonstrate not only the possibilities of later-life stereo vision but also the profound impact of late-life friendship.
Tragically, Dr. Sacks's own stereo vision was taken away by cancer, not long after Dr. Barry gained hers. Despite the hardships, their letters highlight their shared resilience and their unwavering enthusiasm for life. They navigated through challenges together, with Dr. Sacks confiding in Dr. Barry about his decline and the profound impact it had on him.
The Power of Human Connection
'Dear Oliver' offers readers a glimpse into the unique and extraordinary friendship between Dr. Susan Barry and Dr. Oliver Sacks. Their letters reveal a world of intellectual curiosity, shared passions, and profound friendship. While there is sadness in their stories, what endures is their ability to pay close attention to the world and their unyielding zest for life. This book serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of understanding and empathy.