Recommended: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

[zoedecicco]

Has anyone read this?

This book is a miracle.

It is my favourite book, not just because of the circumstances in which it was written, but because it is just wonderful to read.

For those who don't know, this is a real memoir written by a man who suffered from 'locked-in syndrome', Jean-Dominique Bauby. He led a normal, active life, but after a stroke he became completely paralysed, other than his left eye. Using just this eye, he wrote this book by spelling out each word. He describes how he would write each passage in his head first, getting it just right. It is an epic achievement.

There is no self-pity in this book and I don't feel it is depressing. There is an amazing strength of spirit in the face of adversity, that shines through. I read this when I had depression, and it certainly put things into perspective. How this man kept such a sense of humor, despite his situation, is quite humbling.

It is beautifully written, with wonderful metaphors (such as the book title itself) and a poetic feel.

I can't recommend this book enough. It has short chapters which I just dipped into slowly here and there, reading it alongside other books. I found a lovely tiny hardback edition in a thrift shop, which I treasure.

Unfortunately the author passed away just two days after the book was published. He left behind a masterpiece.

This is everything that is wonderful about humanity, right here.

Let me know what you think.

[Fran]

Duplicate topic - see
forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php ... lit=diving