Transformed in a Stroke: A Memoir of Brain Hemorrhage and Recovery in the United States and Japan

by Laurel Kamada

In 2013, while visiting her sister in the United States, Laurel Kamada collapsed. Far from her husband, son, career, and home in Japan, she spent the next few weeks in a coma from a stroke that left a hole the size of a baseball in the center of her brain. In this multicultural memoir, Kamada writes about her years of recovery with a profound sense of grace, still seeing the beauty in her life while not shying away from its many struggles. This five-part memoir addresses the basics of strokes; an East-West (Japan, U.S.) comparison of stroke, advice and help for the primary caregivers and families of stroke survivors, and lessons on how to improve systems of care and rehabilitation. Kamada also introduces networking means and advice to help stroke survivors, their families and friends, and professionals working in long-term care facilities, such as nursing and rehabilitation staff.

228 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2021

Reviews

[Jeremy Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow stroke survivor and one who suffered a stroke (mine was ischaemic) in Japan and underwent six weeks of intensive rehabilitation there, much of this resonated with me. I was lucky and with the instant diagnosis and treatment, I have made a good recovery but I do agree with the author's questioning about one ever makes a 'full' recovery as I am reminded daily of what I went through and how I'll never be the same as I was before.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a powerful blend of memoir and educational narrative, offering a compelling and honest look into the healthcare system through the eyes of someone navigating life after a major medical event. It’s especially meaningful for several groups of readers:

1. **Healthcare professionals** – It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and compassionate care.
2. **Caregivers** – Those supporting loved ones with disabilities will find valuable perspective and emotional resonance in these pages.
3. **Stroke survivors** – The author’s story can provide comfort and a sense of connection, helping readers feel less isolated in their experiences.
4. **Anyone engaging with the medical system** – The book offers deep insights into how health care affects individuals and families, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to better understand the system’s impact.

Emotionally, this book took me through a wide spectrum—fear, sadness, outrage, and ultimately hope. Laurel’s experiences and personal triumphs are both moving and enlightening. Reading this made me reflect deeply on my own vulnerability within the medical system, especially as someone living abroad. In Japan, my limited language ability and reliance on my phone for communication can leave me feeling helpless in medical situations. This book made that fear more tangible, yet also underscored the importance of advocacy and communication in health care.

Structurally, the book doesn’t follow a traditional linear narrative. Each chapter focuses on a particular theme or experience, sometimes referring back to earlier moments, but without a strict chronological progression. This format allows for a more intimate, in-depth exploration of the author’s thoughts and feelings related to specific aspects of her journey.

Ultimately, this is a well-written, insightful, and emotionally resonant book that offers a rare and important view into the lived experience of disability. It reminds us that understanding and compassion are at the heart of meaningful care.