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The Diving-bell and the Butterfly | 
 enlarge | Author: Jean-dominique Bauby
Publisher: Fourth Estate
Category: Book
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 144
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.6
ISBN: 1857027795
EAN: 9781857027792
ASIN: 1857027795
Publication Date: April 10, 1997
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Amazon.co.uk Review
On December 8, 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby's life was forever altered when a part of his body he'd never heard of--his brain stem--was rendered inactive. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, his exquisitely painful memoir, is neither a triumphant account of recovery nor a journey into the abyss of self-pity. Instead, it is a tender testament to the power of language and love. At 43, Bauby was defined by success, wit and charisma. But in the course of a few bewildering minutes, the editor-in-chief of French Elle became a victim of the rare locked-in syndrome. The only way he could express his frustration, however, was by blinking his left eye. The rest of his body could no longer respond. Bauby was determined to escape the paralysis of his diving bell and free the butterflies of his imagination. And with the help of ESA, "a hit parade in which each letter is placed according to the frequency of its use in the French language," Bauby did so. Visitors, and eventually his editor, would read each letter aloud and he would blink at the right one. Slowly--painstakingly-- words, sentences, paragraphs and even this graceful book emerged. Bauby relays the horrors and small graces of his struggle, which range from awaking one day to discover his right eye being sewn shut to realising the significance of Father's Day, a holiday previously absent from his family's "emotional calendar": "Today we spent the whole of the symbolic day together, affirming that even a rough sketch, a shadow, a tiny fragment of a dad is still a dad." The author makes it clear that being locked in doesn't kick open the doors of perception, but The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is nonetheless a celebration of life. Jean Dominique-Bauby died of a heart attack on March 9, 1997, two days after his book was published in France.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 44 more reviews...
 Fall in love with every day life again August 26, 2008
This is possibly the worst situation anyone could ever be in yet, Bauby tried his hardest to remain positive and showed heroic humour throughout the entire book. Whilst an unbelievably sad situation, the book is not depressing.
You can read the whole book quite quickly. Even those who don't read often can enjoy this reasonably short story with a huge positive impact.
For me, this book has reunited myself with the life we are supposed to be living. Appreciating whatever little we might have, whether it be the ability of complete or limited physical movement, or material possessions, we are unable to enjoy them if we don't appreciate them.
We must stop and smell the flowers more, or watch a butterfly in action when we have the opportunity. For me, doing these kinds of things, honours Bauby more as it is my way of showing appreciation of his efforts to survive in a crushed state.
For now, Jean-Dominique Bauby can rest in peace. And in the day of resurrection, he shall walk, talk and enjoy the real life again.
John 5:21, 28 & 29
 Heartrending August 23, 2008
Almost too poignant for words. A must read that will give you a kick up the pants and make you cherish all that's good in your life.
excellent August 21, 2008
Short enough to read in one sitting, this book is well worth the read. It describes the vivid thoughts of a man struck down by a debilitating stroke at the peak of his career. Darkly comic and ultimately optimistic, the book is a compulsive page turner, and makes an excellent companion to the movie. Its all the more remarkable given that it was written through the medium of a blink of an eye.
Lasting impression April 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
"Le Scaphandre et le Papillon" is a fantastic read full stop. I understand other's thoughts on this book and I respect their opinions, but for me, this book has had a lasting impression. I have also watched, about 2 years after having read the book, the French film version which was fairly accurate in relation to the book. I found that I gained enough insight into his former life to suffice - one must not expect memoirs of his entire life, but a focus upon his life after the stroke with a few references to his 'former' life. Both the book and the film are well written and produced and I have recommended and will continue to recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Five stars dosent do it justice... March 27, 2008
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
I admit it, i'm emotional; I cried at this book, but for good reason;
The brain rarely fails, but when it does, god almighty, does it fail!
I couldn't bear reading this book for longer then a few moments at a time, because I knew what was happening to him.
Nevertheless, to place it in the context of the reader; imagine your arms, your legs, everything being tied down, tied down so tight you can't feel them, you can't feel your heart, nor your lungs. You have yourself, your brain. That's all.
Terrifying, and a grim reminder of what awaits us if we do not take care of our brain.
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