Not so much a review as a recommendation to read.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le Papillon) by Jean-Dominique Bauby
What is it about (short version)? Gut-punch exploration of the power of freedom and imagination in the face of truly terrifying adversity.
What is it about (long version)? Jean-Dominique Bauby, was a journalist-editor of French Elle (a beauty and fashion magazine) who at the age of 43 suffered a stroke resulting in 'locked-in syndrome' where, despite maintaining full consciousness, he was unable to move his body except for his left eyelid. It is impossible to separate the process of writing the book, entirely through blinking, from the final work and I would encourage anyone to look further into his transcription method for it is truly inspirational and almost as remarkable as the writing itself.
The book comprises short chapters highlighting different aspects of his life, and incredibly he is often able to infuse humour and warmth into his observations. His reflections on life itself, love, and mortality resonate throughout and offer an appreciation for the beauty of the human experience in addition to demonstrating his profound longing for freedom from confinement. The contrast between his life before and loneliness he is reduced to after his stroke is dramatic and moving.
"My old life still burns within me, but more and more of it is reduced to the ashes of memory."
His story challenges common perceptions of disability and prompts the reader to a deep consideration of the issue. It is a true masterpiece (I acknowledge an overused term) that transcends the tragedy from which it is born, showing the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. Life can be both resilient and beautiful despite a person being confined within.
"My diving bell becomes less oppressive, and my mind takes flight like a butterfly"
For me it sits alongside books such as Victor Frankl's 'Mans Search for Meaning' and whilst not in the detail it is certainly in spirit.
Definitely recommended 9/10
Welcome back! I miss you around here. I got a feeling you would bring up “Man’s Search for Meaning”. Haha. You made me want to tackle this book. Did you watch the movie too?
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I watched the movie when it came out (2008 maybe?) and don’t recall enjoying it. I will go back and rewatch it I think - who knows what state of mind I was in at the time…
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the movie is pretty good, probably a decent preview before reading the book (i have not read the book).
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Thank you for sharing the review of this poetic, ironic and positive book: the powerful testament of a man whose spirit refused to die. I had the opportunity to read it one day and it left a mark on my life as a reader.
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That’s the mark of a powerful book. It imprints on you.
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that's right my friend.
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I like your review, I'll check it out!
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High praise. Please do - it’s not a long book but powerful.
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I remember reading it but it was quite a while ago ⏱️.. It's always good to remember those books that aren't long but the content is well captured!! Thanks for bringing back my memories 😊
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I originally read it when it came out - I recall being underwhelmed holding the book in my hand and overwhelmed afterwards. Some books do that.
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You are absolutely right about that... it has happened to me a couple of times, but as a good reader you should always have the best expectations and as you turn the pages you discover that it is good content and summarized correctly!!
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Thanks for posting this review. I have never heard of this man or his story before. I remember reading "Johnny Got His Gun" in high school. Imagining living your life with that type of confinement terrified me.
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That book has a powerful anti-war narrative and resonates very strongly with the situation of veterans returning from recent conflicts (Vietnam, Iraq, Afghan) often suffering limb losses.
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I think I want to read the book you posted, it seems like it tells about life and experiences that have been lived for a long time, it could be a motivation for me to read it.
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Enjoy and let us know how you get on. It’s only 160 pages. But every word is well crafted.
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It doesn't have too many pages, but it's easy to read, and nice to look at too. thank you for sharing.
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How to Earn sats
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Engage, create content with value, be a good Stacker. Top tip - use the search function as this has all been said before by others far more eloquent than I.
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