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Search - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Hardcover
Book Description:
In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby was the editor-in-chief of French Elle, the father of two young childen, a 44-year-old man known and loved for his wit, his style, and his impassioned approach to life. By the end of the year he was also the victim of a rare kind of stroke to the brainstem. After 20 days in a coma, Bauby awoke into a body which had all but stopped working: only his left eye functioned, allowing him to see and, by blinking it, to make clear that his mind was unimpaired. Almost miraculously, he was soon able to express himself in the richest detail: dictating a word at a time, blinking to select each letter as the alphabet was recited to him slowly, over and over again. In the same way, he was able eventually to compose this extraordinary book.
By turns wistful, mischievous, angry, and witty, Bauby bears witness to his determination to live as fully in his mind as he had been able to do in his body. He explains the joy, and deep sadness, of seeing his children and of hearing his aged father's voice on the phone. In magical sequences, he imagines traveling to other places and times and of lying next to the woman he loves. Fed only intravenously, he imagines preparing and tasting the full flavor of delectable dishes. Again and again he returns to an "inexhaustible reservoir of sensations," keeping in touch with himself and the life around him.
Jean-Dominique Bauby died two days after the French publication of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
This book is a lasting testament to his life.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Stacey S. (
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
A startling look inside the mind of a man who, by outward appearances, is what we would glibly call a vegetable. His mind, however, is still active and vital, and this series of essays was written in an astonishing, painstaking manner. His mood changes from frequently, from anger and bitterness to wistful and musing. It's a testament to the old adage of mind over matter.
Stella P. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book and cried at every page. The author had remarkable courage to write this book, through blinking his eyes- all done through a translater.
Melody B. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
If this was not a true story, I would absolutely not believe a word of it. The story is so incredible, but while you're reading it you actually get sucked in to the author's world where it's like, "yeah, this can be done." Every once in a while a reality check would hit me and WHAM - I'd be completely blown away by this incredible story again. I don't have many books on my keeper shelf, but luckily I ended up with 2 copies of this so I can share one with PBSers.
BTW - I have not seen the movie. I'm pretty sure I don't want to because the written word really brings out what is in the author's head. I don't think it will translate well to visual.
Elizabeth R. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book deserves 5 stars based on the extraordinary efforts it took on the part of the author and his editorial team to tell it. This book could easily have been sad, but because of the author's beautiful writing and spirit is instead a bittersweet ode to the joys of life: family, food, love, etc. The book is slim and easily read in one session.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the 43 year old editor of French "Elle" suffered a massive stroke that left him completely and permanently paralyzed, a victim of "locked-in syndrome."
This is a great read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Interesting true story of a man stricken with "locked in syndrome". Sad, and inspiring.
Please Rate these Book Reviews
I loved this book and could not put it down. It is beautifully written, and very short, so a weekend is ample enough time to savor it. A good read if you're feeling sorry for yourself... profound, yet simple, the touching images put forth by the author are ever more astounding when you read how he managed to write this book.
A truly inspiring book about what a person can accomplish and overcome. Very well written.
Julie G. (I could not put this down once I started it. I read it in one afternoon.
I was compelled to read this after having seen the movie. Intriguing
Amazing book. At points a little confusing but considering it was written by the blinking of an eye it is truly unbelievable! A show into the true strength of the human soul!
Brenna B. (This book is Jean-Dominique Bauby's reflection on what it's like to live with locked-in syndrome. It is a bit hard to follow at times since it's basically his train of thought, but it is a very inspirational and quick read at 132 pages.
This small book of essays was written by the 43 year old French editor of Elle magazine who suffered a stroke and could only communicate by blinking one eye. An amazing feat.
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