The title of the novel has multiple symbolic meanings. Left Neglect is the name of the condition that Sarah develops after the traumatic blow to her head causes brain damage. It causes her to literally “neglect” or fail to notice things on her left side, including her own body parts. The novel’s title is also a play on words concerning the state of Sarah’s life. She works to balance long hours at a demanding job with a family life that includes three young children. Though she tries her best, it is often the needs of her family that are “left neglected.” She wishes that she had time for typical parenting functions like attending soccer games and family dinners, but her work schedule prevents it. Because she is juggling too many responsibilities, Sarah’s own personal needs are also “left neglected.” She wishes she had more time to sleep, relax, exercise, and go on vacation, but Sarah sacrifices self-care in a never-ending struggle to keep up with her workload. It is Sarah’s inattention, her neglect of the necessary, that causes her car accident.

One of the crucial elements of the story is Sarah’s past relationship with her mother, who emotionally abandoned Sarah after the accidental death of Sarah’s brother.