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The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly

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( 76,528 ratings, 5,943 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author's life after suffering a massive stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome. Despite being almost completely paralysed, Bauby communicates and reflects on his past, using his imagination to escape the confines of his condition. His reflections are both profound and beautifully written, capturing his will to find meaning and joy in his drastically changed world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in a deeply personal and inspiring memoir that explores the human spirit's resilience. Written by the author from his perspective of being trapped in a state of locked-in syndrome, it offers a powerful and intimate glimpse into the world of someone living with immense physical limitations but possessing a boundless and imaginative mind.

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The diary of Jean-Dominique Bauby who, with his left eyelid (the only surviving muscle after a massive stroke) dictated a book about his experiences locked inside his body.

The brilliantly fun new lift-the-flap animal board book series with wonderfully colourful illustrations – perfect for young children!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The diary of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, with his left eyelid—the only surviving muscle after a massive stroke—dictated a remarkable book about his experiences locked inside his body.

On 8 December 1995, Bauby suffered a massive stroke and slipped into a coma. When he regained consciousness three weeks later, the only muscle left functioning was in his left eyelid, although his mind remained as active and alert as it had ever been. He spent most of 1996 writing this book, letter by letter, blinking as an alphabet was repeatedly read out to him.

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly was published in France on Thursday, 6 March 1997. It achieved instant success. Then, three days later, Bauby died.

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly, which records Bauby's lonely existence, is a book about the triumph of the human spirit and the ability to invent a life for oneself in the most appalling of circumstances.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby has been widely praised for its extraordinary and life-enhancing narrative. Critics have described it as remarkable and one of the most notable memoirs of its time, with a profound ability to make readers appreciate life more deeply. It's been recommended as an essential read for everyone.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007139842

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 May 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperPerennial

Edition: Film tie-in edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 70g

Pages: 144

About the Author

Jean-Dominique Bauby was born in 1952. He was the Editor-in-Chief of French Elle Magazine. He died on 9 March 1997.

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