The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death
by Jean-Dominique Bauby
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jean-Dominique BaubyTranslator: Jeremy Leggatt
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-06-23
ISBN: 0375701214
Number of pages: 131
Publisher: Vintage
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780375701214
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death
Book Review: "Diving Bell and Butterfly" A Tribute to Mind and Spirit
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" would be one of literature's achievements if only for how it came to life. Former Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby dictated it letter by letter to his assistant Claude using an alphabet variation he describes (and one hard to master as Bauby acknowledges in one vignette.) Its 129 pages consist of one to two page episodes describing piece by piece how "locked-in" syndrome, caused by a brain stem accident, transformed Elle editor Bauby's cosmopolitan life to one of memories and fantasies within the "diving bell" of his body.
Within that "diving bell," Bauby holds the irony and humor of any sophisticate or executive. His stories are never cloying or mawkish even when telling of his heartbreaking day at the beach with his children or his dread of Sundays without visitors or even staff. Rather, his sardonic humor allows him to see personal and professional foibles (staff members striking Elvis poses, nurses waking him for a sleeping bill, colleagues finding it hard to see him as he is now) in a new light.
But the book is best when Bauby's mind travels the world above his bed to fantasies and an outside life slipping from him. He races Formula One cars, recreates scenes from the "Count of Monte Cristo" and other books and films, savors his remaining senses to smell and taste foods he loves even while fed through a tube. (Sounds aren't lost to him either; his daughter's singing and even classic Beatles tunes play heavily into Bauby's memories and new life.)
"The Diver Bell and the Butterfly" is as powerful a pro-life argument as has been written. It examines the frustration and resilience of any one who lost their ability to command their bodies. Enthusiastically recommended, but I'd also welcome an expanded version with those knowing and working closely with Bauby until his death.
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