The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Books
- ISBN13: 9780307389251
- Shape up: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the 43-year-ancient editor of French Elle, suffered a massive stroke that left him everlastingly paralyzed, a victim of “locked in syndrome.” Once known for his gregariousness and wit, Bauby now finds himself imprisoned in an inert body, able to communicate only by blinking his left eye. The miracle is that in doing so he was able to compose this stunningly eloquent memoir.
In a voice that is by turns wistful and prankish, mad and sardonic, Bauby gives us a celebration of the liberating power of consciousness: what it is like to spend a day with his children, to presume lying in bed beside his wife, to conjure up the flavor of delectable meals even as he is fed through at tube. Most of all, this triumphant book lets us witness an indomitable spirit and share in the pure joy of its own survival.Amazon.com Review
We’ve all got our idiosyncrasies when it comes to writing–a unique chair we have to sit in, a certain kind of yellow paper we absolutely must use. To make this tremendously affecting memoir, Jean-Dominique Bauby used the only tool available to him–his left eye–with which he blinked out its small chapters, letter by letter. Two years ago, Bauby, then the 43-year-ancient editor-in-chief of Elle France, suffered a rare stroke to the brain stem; only his left eye and brain escaped hurt. Rather than accept his “locked in” situation as a kind of death, Bauby ignited a fire of the thoughts below himself and lived his last days–he died two days after the French publication of this slim volume–spiritually unfettered. In these pages Bauby journeys to exotic places he has and has not been, serving himself delectable gourmet meals by the side of the way (surprise: everything’s ripe and nothing burns). In the simplest of terms he describes how it feels to see reflected in a window “the head of a man who seemed to have emerged from a vat of formaldehyde.”
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When I learnt about Mr. Bauby’s situation. I resolute immediately that I have to read his book. I expected that I should be able to learn some lessons from someone who is approaching a final stage in his life. Lessons on what I should do or prepare when I still can. In this respect, the book disappoints me. There are very few lessons covered which we can learn from. What Mr. Bauby is trying to tell us is that the Butterfly (i.e. the mind) can still glide freely unrestricted by the paralyzed body. Except for some chapters, this book is just an run of the mill book written by an run of the mill novelist who is in a perfect health. Depending on what you guess, the book might be a excellent inspirational source for anyone who is in Mr. Bauby’s position.
Rating: 1 / 5
This book was like being underwater…. with no life support. Death was a blessing.
Rating: 3 / 5
A marvelous book in which a man tells his private experiences and thoughts in dealing with a stroke that left him absolutely paralysed,speechless and able only to go one eyelid. It is incredible that he found a way to tell his tale and it will show the reader what a slender thread it is by which we all cling on to life. It is a wonderful tender read and will surely place one with much to reckon about. I also read many of the very private reviews that customers have written.
When I finished reading this book,I was surprised that the author never mentioned whether or not he had any faith or belief system. He seemed to face all his rials,tribulations,and future prospects lonely and without any support and comfort from a faith of any kind. To people of faith, their faith becomes very vital at times like this; and they would find such an experience many times more trying and hopeless without it. I was further surprised not to find this mentioned in any of the reviews.
The following shows how a faith is so powerful in dealing with the things we are faced with in our journey through life.
Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking by the side of the beach with the
LORD
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
To each scene,he noticed two sets of footprints in the
sand:
One belonging to him and the other to the LORD
When the last scene of his life flashed before him
he looked back,at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times by the side of the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and
saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD
about it:
“LORD”, you said that once I resolute to follow you
you’d walk with me all the way,
But I noticed that during the most troublesome
times in my life
there was only one set of footprints
I don’t onderstand why when I needed you most you
would place me.”
The LORD answered.
“My son, My precious child,I like you and I would
never place you,
During your times of trial and suffering
when you see only one set of footprints,it was there that
I carried you”.
Rating: 5 / 5
Dear sir:
My girl supporter send back this book(The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Vintage International) to amazon I wont send back my mony to my creditcard.
Thanks
Rating: 5 / 5
Bauby is really a man of guts and also a patient of lots of patience to place all these words into his book. I will say that his courage really gives rise to my withering heart. But, I would rather not say the same comments to his book, for it’s content is a small bit dull. Well, maybe it’s because I’m a foreigner and don’t know the delicate feeling of a Frenchman.
Rating: 3 / 5