After the Stroke: A Journal

The distinguished poet/essayist (The Magnificent Spinster, At Seventy) here presents diary entries from April 1986 through February 1987, written while she was recovering from a life-threatening stroke. Sarton, isolated at the time at her New England home, describes poignantly the long, anxious days of weakness and worrry over the future, fears balanced by accounts of faithful friends who brought her material as well as esthetic comfort. The book also contains the author's recollections of early successes and disappointments in her career as well as regrets for lost loves. A lyrical, candid, sensitive spirit pervades this chronicle, which ends with Sarton well again, rejoicing in the present and putting the past behind her. Photos not seen by PW. (April)