The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death by Jean-Dominique Bauby Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death
Book Review: A fascinating insight into human endurance.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the sort book which you will read in one sitting. This is more than an autobiography, it's a diary of a life shattering event. The tragic story is written without self pity. Jean-Dominique was left paralysed after a stroke leaving him only able to comunicate with his left eye. The book was actually dictated by him in hospital ward to his secretary to whom he dedicated the book. This is a true tale which is unforgetable and leaves the reader with a sense of wonder at one man's determination. So stop moaning about not having any money, or the state of the weather, read this and appreciate what you do have.Book Review: To read this is to be humbled
Summary: 5 Stars
A quite unique book about one man's decent from grace due to a horrific car crash which brought about a transformation of his physical limitations and ideals.A fascinating display of courage in adversity which is a wake up call to us all. Read and be humbled.....Book Review: A memorable account of indomitable spirit
Summary: 5 Stars
An extraordinary book. The remarkable story of a professional communicator, a journalist, who, thanks to a massive stroke in his forties, found himself a victim of locked-in syndrome, unable to move any part of his body except his left eyelid, yet with his mind still alert and unaffected. Despite this horrendous situation, he found the courage and determination to devise a means of communicating, blinking at the right moments, as friends repeatedly read the alphabet to him, in order to indicate the letters and thus the words he was trying to use. In this way was this book written, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one man. Sadly Jean-Dominique Bauby died in the very month his book was first published in France, but this good translation will give you a moving insight into the butterfly freedom of his mind which not even the diving-bell of his paralysed body could imprisonBook Review: A wondeful, captivating, harrowing yet joyful read.
Summary: 5 Stars
Words have trouble expressing how deeply moving Bauby's work is, especially when one knows he finally succumbed to the locked-in syndrome shortly after completing the book. His disability held him captive yet somehow gave his mind the freedom to wander through uncharted depths of human thinking, guiding the reader through his sorrows, joys, appreciations of the small pleasures of life, and his frustration both with the way people perceived him and his inability to walk amongst them. It is a little book of incredible power which I recommend to anyone becoming disillusioned with their lives.Book Review: You have to read this - sheer inspiration
Summary: 5 Stars
If you only read one book again - read this. Grieve over the loss of one so young. Marvel at his determination to communicate with his loved ones. Think over how he did it - it is incredibly sad but uplifting. A little book with a BIG impact.