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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

by Jean-Dominique Bauby, Jeremy Leggatt (Translator)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 21,158 ratings · 2,389 reviews

In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby was the editor-in-chief of French Elle, the father of two young childen, a 44-year-old man known and loved for his wit, his style, and his impassioned approach to life. By the end of the year he was also the victim of a rare kind of stroke to the brainstem.After 20 days in a coma, Bauby awoke into a body which had all but stopped working: only...more

Paperback, First Vintage International Edition, 132 pages

Published July 1998 by Vintage (first published January 1st 1997)

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Jun 08, 2008 Gregory Baird rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, nonfiction, film-or-tv

“Does it take the harsh light of disaster to show a person’s true nature?”

The situation is unimaginable: waking from a coma to find yourself trapped in your own body, able to think clearly and understand what is going on around you, but unable to partake in any of what transpires. It’s called “locked in syndrome,” and Jean-Dominique Bauby finds himself a victim of it when he awakes from a coma following a serious stroke that damaged his brain stem and left him almost totally paralyzed; he has...more “Does it take the harsh light of disaster to show a person’s true nature?”

The situation is unimaginable: waking from a coma to find yourself trapped in your own body, able to think clearly and understand what is going on around you, but unable to partake in any of what transpires. It’s called “locked in syndrome,” and Jean-Dominique Bauby finds himself a victim of it when he awakes from a coma following a serious stroke that damaged his brain stem and left him almost totally paralyzed; he has only limited facial movements, slight control over his neck, and use of only one eye. It is with this single good eye that Bauby is able to communicate with the world, using an excruciatingly slow code of blinking that requires time, energy, and a great deal of attention and patience. And it is also thanks to this one eye that we have this first-hand account, dictated by Bauby from his hospital bed, recounting the details of his life in the wake of tragedy.

Far from being restricted by his condition, Bauby unleashes the full force of his literary capabilities (which were quite estimable, considering that he was the editor of French Elle), leaving us with a wry, touching, and deeply affecting memoir that shines with descriptive flourishes and deep insights. His perspective in the wake of tragedy is awe-inspiring and leaves the reader with a deep respect for his fortitude; truly, this is a man I would have loved to have had an opportunity to have a conversation with, just to try and absorb a small degree of his wisdom and experience. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” has moments of regret, frustration, sadness and aching loneliness, but curiously absent are anger and self-righteousness. Bauby never curses his misfortune but focuses on getting by with the hand he was dealt. To read his memoir is to get to know a truly extraordinary man whose spirit refused to be crushed and whose mind and imagination allowed him to survive in the most constrained of circumstances. To say that “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is about the triumph of the human spirit is a sorry understatement, and does little to pay tribute to an amazing man.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is a slight volume, to be sure, but it feels wrong to criticize it for that when one considers the conditions under which it was composed. And considering that Bauby packs a hefty punch in such a short page count, it is well worth the experience.

Grade: A-(less)

39 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Petra X rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography-true-story, medicine-science

Words flow like the images and emotions of poetry. One thought leads to another. The rambling mind touches, like a butterfly, just long enough to draw the essence from a story, and then moves fluidly to another. Jean-Dominique Bauby's body was the immobile, weighty shell, the diving bell, his perfect simile, yet in his head he roved the world and composed the words that would let us in. Intent on looking for the cure to let him move again, he moves forward in his final words "We must keep lookin...more

33 likes · like · see review

May 25, 2008 Yulia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: me-moirs

I just saw the movie adaptation last Friday, the day before my father-in-law passed away: perhaps not the best time, but I'm the type of person who refuses to get myself out of my mood, but prefers to dwell on my feelings. I actually found the movie much darker than the book itself, which I read when it first came out in English. As the book's from his perspective, we are spared the experience of the silence and loneliness he is encased in. The movie, in contrast, depicts just how terrifying and...more

18 likes · like · see review

Nov 14, 2012 Zaki rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a load of bollocks!

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2012 Shovelmonkey1 rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who thinks they might be in danger of taking life for granted

Recommended to Shovelmonkey1 by: Jon

Shelves: bookcrossing-books, read-in-2010

When I first heard about it I did not think it would be the sort of thing I would be interested in reading and definately not the sort of thing I would be interested in watching (having heard it had recently been turned into a film). One of my best friends, a man who is a great deal more sensitive and open minded than I could ever hope to be asked me if i'd read it. "A book about a man who wrote the book by blinking one eyelid?" I asked. "But I like the Die Hard Quadrology, 300 and Wilbur Smith...more

16 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2008 Craig rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know I will likely get flayed alive for rating this one so low, but I just can't see the worship behind it...

First, let me say that the "writing" of the book by someone in such a state is an amazing accomplishment and I dare not take that away from him. (For those that don't know, it was dictated by Jean-Dominique Bauby - former editor of the french Elle - who had a severe seizure and after damage to his brain stem, was diagnosed with locked in syndrome. The entire book was dictated, letter by...more

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Mar 10, 2008 Alistair rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Richard and Judy viewers

this is quite an achievement .
the writer a quadraplegic with locked in syndrome who died shortly after the publication of this book mangages to make himself into a totally unsympathetic character .
i really disliked this book i suppose because it has gained such an good reputation . this is mis-lit at its worst .
the author is completely self obsessed perhaps unsurprisingly and the profundity is not much above that found in a Hallmark card . it seems that the things the author misses most are his...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2007 Aberjhani rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: autobiography, the, french, magazine, literature, journalism, memoir, overcoming, trauma, paralysis, strokes, terminal, illness, twentieth, authors, writing

A Small Book with a Big Soul

Jean-Dominique Bauby's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is a small book composed of many big wonders. Primary among this book's extraordinary qualities is the fact that Bauby, a former editor in chief of the world-famous French Elle, was able to "write" it at all. after suffering a stroke to his brain stem and spending 20 days in a coma, Bauby regained command of a nearly clairvoyant intellect but lost all authority over his body. The sole physical function he ret...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 28, 2008 David rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Before reading it, I wasn't aware this book was originally in French. It has a simple lyricism even in translation, which makes me want to read the original. It's the kind of book that can be read very quickly, but probably shouldn't be. Rather, one should savor the well-mixed hope and sadness.

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 30, 2009 Peter added it · review of another edition

The power of this short memoir is that it exists.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a collection of short reflections and anecdotes by Jean-Dominique Bauby, the once-editor of the French Elle who at age forty-three suffered a massive stroke that left him completely paralyzed, unable to move or communicate save by blinking his left eye.

Knowing this, every page of prose is a modern miracle. It helps that the prose is really good.

The experience of reading this, then, becomes a source of great cog...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 11, 2009 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, memoir

This is one of those books where the story behind the story was more interesting to me than the book itself. For those who don't know, Jean-Dominique Bauby (the former editor-in-chief of French Elle, had a stroke in his mid 40's that left him with a body entirely paralyzed but a mind fully intact. This is referred to as locked-in syndrome, a condition that, in the author's words, is "like a mind in a jar."

The one part of his body that Bauby could move was his left eyelid. Remarkably, he was able...more

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Jan 10, 2008 Norman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

These memoirs reveal glimpses of a man who thoroughly enjoyed the "'good things" in life, but who seems to have longed to enjoy it at a deeper level. For, although these vignettes recollect many warm experiences with lovers, family and friends, there also an unhidden wistfulness concerning his lack of taking on the more serious pursuits that he --perhaps-- desired most. However, in accomplishing this book in the physically destroyed state he was in, he ultimately did pursue that deeper subject m...more

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Apr 01, 2008 Marilyn rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People who are locked in

Recommended to Marilyn by: Marina

This book, although it provides the first ever look inside the head of a person with "locked-in" syndrome, was not the evocative masterpiece I'd hoped it would be. Although the author's situation (how one manages to write a novel while paralyzed) and the whole premise of the book are fascinating, the book is no better than ordinary. I haven't yet seen the movie, but I'm sure it made a much better film than it did a book, as one can use the camera, actors' expressions and music to make you feel t...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 23, 2011 Laysee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Would you write a memoir if all that was left of your ability to communicate with the world was a nod or a wink? Jean-Dominique Bauby did. Letter by letter, the Editor-in-Chief of French Elle, dictated his life story despite being totally incapacitated by “locked in syndrome” following a stroke. The diving bell and the butterfly are powerful metaphors that bespeak the triumph of the human mind over physical disability of the highest order.

This is one of the most moving books I’ve read this year...more

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Oct 12, 2010 Colin Miller rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

Many authors say they agonize over each word they write, but in dictating The Diving Bell and the Butterfly to an assistant with nothing but his left eye and her willingness to repeat a frequency-ordered alphabet until he blinked at the correct letter—a process that took, on average, two minutes per word, culminating in four hours a day for a total writing period of ten months, with no room to edit after it left his head—I’d say journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby has them beat.

Up until December 6th...more Many authors say they agonize over each word they write, but in dictating The Diving Bell and the Butterfly to an assistant with nothing but his left eye and her willingness to repeat a frequency-ordered alphabet until he blinked at the correct letter—a process that took, on average, two minutes per word, culminating in four hours a day for a total writing period of ten months, with no room to edit after it left his head—I’d say journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby has them beat.

Up until December 6th, 1995, Bauby was the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, but a debilitating stroke shot him into a coma for 20 days, and when he awoke, he was left completely paralyzed (save for minimal movement in his neck and eyes [though his right eyelid was later sewn shut]) and unable to speak. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly chronicled both his new life with locked-in syndrome (or as he called it, his diving bell, where his mind, a butterfly, still roamed free) and what his life was like before. The book reads more like a series of (obviously) short vignettes than a standard memoir, with much of Bauby’s life—his childhood, his success at work—barely blipping the map.

Though the jacket files the book under ‘inspiration,’ I’d say the idea is more inspiring than the content. Bauby, by his own admission, was a man more interested in sports cars, culture and working seven days a week than spending time with his wife (from whom he later separated) and kids. If the stroke hadn’t occurred, he might be type of celebrity blowing through marriages and millions, but he did have the stroke, and this is what he chose to blink out in his final months, the published version hitting a mere two days before he died from pneumonia.

Bauby’s voice is calm and even and he doesn’t try to paint himself sympathetically. He reflects on his kids, his father, lovers he had. He expresses frustration with the hospital staff for their lack of care, bewilderment over people talking about him being a vegetable, and he often daydreams of the things he would like to do again. By far, my favorite section is “The Dream” – a passage that reflects on the dream he had right before waking up from his coma. Before then, Bauby never remembered his dreams, but upon realizing that he never really woke back up, Bauby understands why it stuck, and the calm horror of that scene breaks any rule I could have about never including a dream sequence. The longest section of the book, “Our Very Own Madonna,” about Bauby’s vacation with a lover, is another strong section, especially as it notes some of the disparaging views and opinions he had before his stroke. Not every section in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is good, and the power of idea is still more inspiring than the end result, but again, this is what Bauby wanted to say when his world was reduced to a hospital bed, and I’m glad I was able to listen in. Three stars.
(less)

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Mar 05, 2012 Judies rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Nevím, co napsat, a tak si dovolím odcitovat větu z obálky: "Až si přečtete tuto knihu, znovu se bláznivě zamilujete do života". Přesně takhle to na mě zapůsobilo.

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Apr 30, 2012 Mary Bohannon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

JDB kept me captivated throughout the entire book. His vivid descriptions and fervent recollections of life before kept me aware that he was full of expression and even some antics although he had very limited ways to express himself. This book made me challenge myself to look deeper into relationships that I may have, where someone is seeking for a way to communicate because they have lost their ability to express (either physically, or emotionally/psychologically). My favorite chapter was "Sun...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-history, src-summer-12

Beautiful, terrifying, and inspiring.

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2009 Tahleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: memoirs-and-biographies

Very inspiring; Jean-Dominique Bauby is imprisoned in his own body through locked-in syndrome after having a stroke, and can only communicate with his left eyelid. That is how he wrote this book, which is incredible in itself. But he also shows remarkable humor and strength despite his completely debilitating condition. It's horrifying to think that it's possible to be completely paralyzed without even the ability to use your vocal cords--it could happen to anyone--yet Bauby shows us that it's n...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Peter Heinrich rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction

The wide margins and short chapters of this thin volume are important physical features Bauby's memoir. They're a constant reminder that every word, every letter came at a very high cost. It's impossible to forget, if a passage seems short, that it had to be dictated one letter at a time, using an amazingly laborious process called partner-assisted scanning—an interlocutor recites the alphabet until the "speaker" indicates the correct letter has been reached, at which point the letter is copied...more

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Feb 17, 2009 Jeanette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Jeanette by: Elisabeth

Shelves: biography-memoir, four-star-nonfiction, nonfiction

This is a series of vignettes composed and painstakingly dictated by a man with "locked-in" syndrome. He could only communicate with eye blinks, but had a very fertile and sharp mind. He shares what it's like to live with his condition, as well as stories from his life before the stroke that stole his freedom. There is sadness, of course, and a certain amount of "why me?", but it's never maudlin, and he managed to keep his sense of humor. Very short and worth reading.
Be grateful for the small t...more

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Jul 18, 2008 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: biography, inspirational, nonfiction

When Evelyn taught the FHE lesson of Melinda's accident and how we could communicate with her, she recommended that each of us read this book. I was finally able to get a hold of a copy, but I was already in the middle of quite a few other books. (When am I not?) It is a very fast read and he is a good writer. I especially loved the "Count of Monte Cristo" reference to Grandpapa Noirtier. I always loved his and Valentine's relationship. And yet in the last 6 months, I never made the connection o...more When Evelyn taught the FHE lesson of Melinda's accident and how we could communicate with her, she recommended that each of us read this book. I was finally able to get a hold of a copy, but I was already in the middle of quite a few other books. (When am I not?) It is a very fast read and he is a good writer. I especially loved the "Count of Monte Cristo" reference to Grandpapa Noirtier. I always loved his and Valentine's relationship. And yet in the last 6 months, I never made the connection of him and Melinda.

There were some things I hadn't expected in the book. I had thought it would all be about what life was like after his stroke and eventual leading to his suffering from Locked-in Syndrome. I guess, in a way, it is. He has plenty of time to think now, and he often reflects on his past. Various incidents from his past are related, and all somehow tie in to what he is going through at the time of writing the book. I did not always catch the tie-ins. And sometimes I didn't want to know about that part of his life.

Yet that was what was important to him now. Reliving his life one memory at a time. That is the big difference between him and Melinda. He was 43 at the time of his accident. He'd had quite a few experiences, especially considering he had been a world traveler and pretty "high up" on the success scale. Melinda was 17. Life hadn't even really begun for her before she was left with just a shadow of an existence.

Because I have become better friends with Melinda and can communicate quite easily with her, I connected to parts of this book that others without that personal experience might not be able to. It also helped me get a glimpse of perhaps what Melinda is thinking, or just going through. On my visits, I don't spend time asking "What's it like?" We talk about books and movies, things we did in high school, guys, our futures. I brush and fix her hair. Cut her nails. Give her Satin Hands massages. If she feels anywhere close to Bauby's feelings, then I believe these little things are very special to her. That perhaps she is reaching back in so many ways that I still cannot see. No one can.

I am ashamed that I ever pity myself for anything. I, too, may not be married. But I have had a serious relationship. I have had friendships. I have been on dates. I know what it is to love someone and, even though it is not returned, I have the most special relationship there. But what is more, I have more of a hope than she does. And it is so painful to always know that, but pretend I don't see that when I'm with her.

I would recommend the book to anyone, at least just to get an idea of what kind of a world these people are in. And to always be grateful for what we have. And what we have been blessed with. But not to forget what they have. Perhaps not seen with Bauby. But I know because of her accident, Melinda has had lots of time to study the scriptures, and the hymns of the Church. She knows a lot. I think her memory has increased, and it's all in there. And her testimony is definitely there. While yes you cannot help pity her, you must always remember to rejoice with her in the little things. And let her live as much of the kind of life you do so she doesn't feel like Bauby did at times.

One thing not mentioned in this book, is that Bauby died two months after the publication of his book--not even 2 years after his stroke. A person in a condition like his is not able to fight illnesses the way the rest of us can. And the whole time I read this book, I could not help wonder how long Melinda has. I hope for her to heal. I hope for her body to get back in order. But Bauby even saidof Locked-in Syndrome, "All that is known is that if the nervous system makes up its mind to start working again, it does so at the speed of a hair growing from the base of the brain. So it is likely that several years will go by before I can expect to wiggle my toes."

I am not trying to sound pessimistic of Melinda's case. She has been blessed to live for 8 years in her condition. Who knows how many more years she will be blessed with. But the blessing is really for us. Those of us who are blessed to meet her in this life. To learn lessons we could never have imagined. To gain so much from her that will forever be precious and life-changing. At least, that's how it is for me.(less)

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Jul 03, 2008 Melody rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Melody by: Sara Jones

Shelves: memoirs-and-biographies, non-fiction, second-monday-bookgroup

I should have been able to read this book in just a few hours. Not only is it a very slim book – but the chapters are nice and short and there are even a few blank – or near blank pages. But I could only read Jean-Do’s words for so long before I would have to put the book down and blink both my eyes or straighten my sock or stretch my neck or scratch my nose. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the memoir of the former editor of Elle magazine after he has suffered a massive stroke that has left...more

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Sep 26, 2008 Roxy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: autobiography, non-fiction

I decided I must read this book after seeing the movie The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (it was one of the most beautiful pieces of art in moving images I have and will ever witness.) Jean-Dominique Bauby, the former editor of the French Elle Magazine, wrote this book after having a paralyzing stroke. He wrote the whole book by blinking his left eye (and running through a chart of commonly used letters with his speech therapist at the hospital.) That, in it of itself, intrigued me. What drive a...more

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Jan 06, 2008 Yolanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm currently reading this now and it's very good. I plan to see the film shortly after I finish. It is really well written which is unexpected since the author could only communicate with one eye.
Now that I've finished the book, the most fascinating part of it is that the author accomplished something that I would imagine is impossible. The content forces me to reflect more, on the idea that fate plays a big part in our lives. Moments that we take for granted can take a turn which leads us to i...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While it is an extremely sad story, the book itself is not. I found it fascinating to hear what was going on inside the mind of someone who was "locked-in." I think it will forever change the way I view sick people. I remember my Grandfather having cancer in his jaw, that eventually meant the removal of much of his jaw bone and it disfigured his face. Even as a kid, I remember thinking, "Even though he doesn't look like Grandpop, and he can't talk, Grandpop is still in there." In many ways, he w...more

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Dec 18, 2007 Scoobs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"I could spend whole days at Cinecitta. There, I am the greatest director of all time. On the town side, I re-shoot the close-ups for Touch Of Evil. Down at the beach, I re-work the dolly shots for Stagecoach, and offshore I re-create the storm rocking the smugglers of Moonfleet. Or else I dissolve into the landscape and there is nothing more to connect me to the world than a friendly hand stroking my numb fingers. I am the hero of Godard's Pierrot Le Fou, my face smeared blue, a garland of dyna...more

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Nov 15, 2008 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: non-fic

When I had originally heard of this book, I had no desire to read it. It seemed like it would be very depressing and somber. My voice teacher was giving away a lot of her books and passed this along to me, and, feeling lost and in need of a 'wake up call' I started reading it immediately. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the opposite of somber and depressing; it is hopeful, warm, and appreciative. Though parts of it are terribly sad, Jean Dominique Bauby writes about things that he looks for...more

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Sep 04, 2008 Anina Ertel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, biography

Has anyone seen that movie with Bjork in it where she is going blind and she works in a factory? Everyone who has seen that movie says the same thing: it's the most depressing movie in the world, and they couldn't eat for like 3 days after watching it.

Well, this book, which also was made into a very depressing movie, is the only thing that rivals it for the title of Most Depressing Thing Ever (just rivals...in my opinion nothing will ever beat blind Bjork).

It's a true story...the author was the...more

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Jun 25, 2008 John rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to John by: Beer & Cookies Book Club

Jean-Dominique Bauby, former editor of Elle Magazine, wrote this memoir while trapped inside his body, unable to move, a victim of a unique condition which struck him at age 42. Bauby displays an artistic and poetic mind, his writing painstakingly accomplished by blinking one eyelid.

The book is beautifully written, a celebration of life, full of lessons and observations from a man who had risen to great heights and who wrote the book from the depths of an existence we cannot imagine.

I strongly...more

2 likes · like · see review

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About Jean-Dominique Bauby

Jean-Dominique Bauby was a well-known French journalist and author and editor of the French fashion magazine, ELLE.
On December 8, 1995 at the age of 43, Bauby suffered a massive stroke. When he woke up twenty days later, he found he was entirely speechless; he could only blink his left eyelid. This rare condition is called Locked-in Syndrome, a condition wherein the mental faculties are intact but...more

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“The memory of that event has only just come back to me, now doubly painful: regret for a vanished past and, above all, remorse for lost opportunities. Mithra-Grandchamp is the women we were unable to love, the chances we failed to seize, the moments of happiness we allowed to drift away. Today it seems to me that my whole life was nothing but a string of those small near misses: a race whose result we know beforehand but in which we fail to bet on the winner.” — 41 people liked it

“I need to feel strongly, to love and admire, just as desperately as I need to breathe.” — 31 people liked it

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