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meese_'s review against another edition
4.0
Blitzed through this in an afternoon instead of working. A captivating read that gives an intriguing insight into Bauby's psychological state while facing lock-in syndrome.
Despite being in quite possibly the worst situation one could find themselves in, Bauby seems to have retained his wit and humour. I personally find it rather relatable to maintain and find humour in even the worst of circumstances.
Despite being in quite possibly the worst situation one could find themselves in, Bauby seems to have retained his wit and humour. I personally find it rather relatable to maintain and find humour in even the worst of circumstances.
abbywebb's review against another edition
3.0
[b:The Diving Bell and the Butterfly|193755|The Diving Bell and the Butterfly|Jean-Dominique Bauby|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172586445s/193755.jpg|565494] is written as a memoir about the former editor-in-chief of Elle magazine in France. He suffered a massive stroke which forced him into a coma. When he came out of the coma, Bauby was met with Locked-In Syndrome. Essentially, he was unable to move his limbs or speak, and his only remaining method of communicating was through blinking.
How does on communicate by blinking, you are probably asking yourself. Well, in Bauby's case, one blink meant "yes" and two meant "no." Seems simple, but what if you have more to say than simply yes or no? Unfortunately, this aspect was not well-explained in the book, but I have witnessed this with a similar patient only a few weeks ago.
I have to say that I expected a lot more out of this book. It was written more as a memoir with greater emphasis on Bauby's life post-stroke, but I was expecting to learn more about his mode of communicating. Afterall, that is my area of interest (see the chapter entitled "Guardian Angel" which happens to be my favourite chapter in the book for obvious reasons). Perhaps the movie will be more insightful than the book was.
Bauby was courageous to make the attempt to write a book in his condition. It must have been a long and daunting process for him to go through, and I commend him for his efforts.
Read this book if you have an interest in memoirs about people after they have endured a life-altering health condition, such as a stroke in this case. Do not expect this to be a French rendition of [b:Tuesdays with Morrie|6900|Tuesdays with Morrie|Mitch Albom|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411NfQzD1wL._SL75_.jpg|1995335] though - it is simply not that kind of book. But it is enlightening, so go pick it up!
How does on communicate by blinking, you are probably asking yourself. Well, in Bauby's case, one blink meant "yes" and two meant "no." Seems simple, but what if you have more to say than simply yes or no? Unfortunately, this aspect was not well-explained in the book, but I have witnessed this with a similar patient only a few weeks ago.
I have to say that I expected a lot more out of this book. It was written more as a memoir with greater emphasis on Bauby's life post-stroke, but I was expecting to learn more about his mode of communicating. Afterall, that is my area of interest (see the chapter entitled "Guardian Angel" which happens to be my favourite chapter in the book for obvious reasons). Perhaps the movie will be more insightful than the book was.
Bauby was courageous to make the attempt to write a book in his condition. It must have been a long and daunting process for him to go through, and I commend him for his efforts.
Read this book if you have an interest in memoirs about people after they have endured a life-altering health condition, such as a stroke in this case. Do not expect this to be a French rendition of [b:Tuesdays with Morrie|6900|Tuesdays with Morrie|Mitch Albom|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411NfQzD1wL._SL75_.jpg|1995335] though - it is simply not that kind of book. But it is enlightening, so go pick it up!
dembury's review against another edition
5.0
This may sound a little strange, but the best thing I can relate this memoir to is a pastry. As French as Bauby himself, carefully crafted, elegant, but short, and over far too quickly. This memoir, a mere 80-some pages, both captures the vibrant and fairly hilarious voice of Bauby and glouriously written glimpses at his life leading up to the accident which left him in a coma.
The WAY in which he wrote his memoir is absolutley astounding, and makes this work all the more meaningful. I've read some reviews which berate "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" for being too short, but I wholeheartedly disagree with those statements. Bauby's writings (both in subjects and in length) have a lovely and elegant rawness to them, and I think the shortness amplifies the fact that his life has been cut short.
Overall, wonderfully done, and I am inspired to learn more about Bauby's life and work.
The WAY in which he wrote his memoir is absolutley astounding, and makes this work all the more meaningful. I've read some reviews which berate "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" for being too short, but I wholeheartedly disagree with those statements. Bauby's writings (both in subjects and in length) have a lovely and elegant rawness to them, and I think the shortness amplifies the fact that his life has been cut short.
Overall, wonderfully done, and I am inspired to learn more about Bauby's life and work.
alexander5_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
ktswings's review against another edition
4.0
Like a Mitch Albom book with dry wit and European character.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
5***** and a ❤
An extraordinary memoir by a quadriplegic. Tender, and not at all maudlin.
Bauby, age 44, suffered a massive stroke in his brain stem. He emerged from a coma completely paralyzed, except for his left eyelid. By blinking he "dictated" this book - painstaking letter by letter.
What a gift he has given to the world! He lives his life fully through memory - of the sea, of travels, of extraordinary culinary delights, of his children, of films and theater and books. He reminds us all to live life to the fullest. A marvelous book!
An extraordinary memoir by a quadriplegic. Tender, and not at all maudlin.
Bauby, age 44, suffered a massive stroke in his brain stem. He emerged from a coma completely paralyzed, except for his left eyelid. By blinking he "dictated" this book - painstaking letter by letter.
Spoiler
He died two days after it was published.What a gift he has given to the world! He lives his life fully through memory - of the sea, of travels, of extraordinary culinary delights, of his children, of films and theater and books. He reminds us all to live life to the fullest. A marvelous book!