The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (1997)

Written on September 22nd , 2023 by James

Author: Jean-Dominique Bauby

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The author describes his life before and after a stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome. The rare condition left him almost completely paralysed, with only the ability to blink one eye.

Incredible book. Written by the author using single eye blinks, transcribed by his nurse.

Made up of small vignettes from his youth and life in hospital. Through his reflections, Bauby discusses themes of life, death, memory, love, and the nature of human existence.