The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death

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Summary: "Diving Bell and Butterfly" A Tribute to Mind and Spirit
Review:
"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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Summary: "My mind takes flight like a butterfly."
Review: In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby was a vigorous man of 43 when he suddenly had a massive stroke that left him in a coma for twenty days. When he awoke, Bauby found himself a victim of "locked-in syndrome," a state of paralysis in which a person's mind functions while his body is frozen.

Bauby was the father of two young children and the editor-in-chief of a major magazine. He had traveled extensively and was blessed with many friends. After the stroke, his active and exciting life was no more. As a quadriplegic, Bauby had to be bathed, fed by a gastric tube, and moved by nurses and attendants. He could not speak at all. What was there left to live for?

It turns out that Bauby's mind provided him with the spiritual and emotional fuel to keep him from falling into despair. He did not become bitter or cantankerous, and he never lost his humor, imagination, or the wonderful memories that he cherished. Finally, he began to compose this book in his head, and through a system in which blinks of an eye indicated letters of the alphabet, he "dictated" this book to his secretary.

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is witty, lyrical, and poignant. Bauby notes that since he could no longer eat in the normal way, he had to dine in his head, imagining himself enjoying beef bourguignon, apricot pie, or even a simple soft-boiled egg. Since he could not speak to his ninety-three year old father, Jean-Dominique's father called him on the phone and spoke to him. When he was finally able to sit in a wheelchair, Bauby was taken to the sea where he admired the colorful umbrellas, the beautiful seascape, and the lovely sailboats. He was destined to live the remainder of his life one step removed from reality, but, in his mind, this was better than not living life at all. Jean-Dominique Bauby lived to see his book published before he died in 1997. "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is an inspiring testament to the indomitable spirit of a very remarkable man.




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Summary: Suffocating!
Review: This book was like being underwater.... with no life support. Death was a blessing.

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Summary: Great book - quick read.
Review: This short book is easy to read. However, it took an extraordinary effort to write it. Reading it is a humbling and insightful experience. We read of how a man lost all function, except one eyelid. And despite being seemingly imprisoned in a paralyzed body, he still had an active and free mind. Most of the book tells of how he escaped the drudgery of his overall condition and daily routine by traveling the highways of memories within his mind. He not only reflected on life, but continued to live as best as he could. I am thankful that Mr. Bauby shared his experience w/ others. I found it to be humbling, uplifting and humorous reading.

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Summary: The most beautiful book I've ever read
Review: The Diving Bell and The Butterfly is a dead-on honest book by a man facing an extreme situation unimaginable to most of us, and probably a biggest fear of most of us. Yet Mr. Bauby produces a book (the process of which alone being remarkable) that is beautiful, lyrical and completely without sentimentality. It is my favorite book. I have given many copies to numerous friends and will continue to do so.