Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Start discussion here for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby.

Description and Author Bio from Riverina Regional Library bookclub

In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby was the editor-in-chief of French Elle, the father of two young children, 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 his left eye functioned, allowing him to see and, by blinking it, to make clear that his mind was unimpaired. Almost miraculously, he was soon able to express himself in the richest detail: dictating a word at a time, blinking to select each letter as the alphabet was recited to him slowly, over and over again. In the same way, he was able eventually to compose this extraordinary book.

By turns wistful, mischievous, angry, and witty, Bauby bears witness to his determination to live as fully in his mind as he had been able to do in his body. He explains the joy, and deep sadness, of seeing his children and of hearing his aged father's voice on the phone. In magical sequences, he imagines traveling to other places and times and of lying next to the woman he loves. Fed only intravenously, he imagines preparing and tasting the full flavor of delectable dishes. Again and again he returns to an "inexhaustible reservoir of sensations," keeping in touch with himself and the life around him.

Jean-Dominique Bauby died two days after the French publication of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly in March 1997.

Discussion Questions from RRL bookclub

1. Why do you think Bauby wrote this book?

2. How does the title relate to the book?

3. Do you think Bauby’s response to his situation represents the norm? Explain. What was the role of friends and family in forming his outlook? How do you think you might respond if you found yourself in his situation?

4. Twice Bauby is transported to Paris for medical consultations. His response to familiar surroundings differs significantly from the first trip to the second. Discuss this change.

5. Why do you think the other patients undergoing physical therapy turn away from Bauby when he looks their way while strapped to his incline board?

6. Medical personnel treat Bauby in a variety of ways—some merely come in and silently complete their tasks, ignoring Bauby, while others make a point of interacting with him. Discuss the various responses and why you think they occur.

7. Although Bauby has experienced a catastrophic and irreversible physical disability there is no discussion of assisted suicide. Why do you think this is the case?

8. What impact has Bauby’s story had on the way you think about people with disabilities?

9. How does the author’s experience help you think about what it means to be human?

10. An award-winning film was recently released based on this book. If you’ve seen it, how does the movie compare to the book? Would you recommend this book (and/or film) to others? Why?

I read this a few years ago and thought it was a powerful book. It is hard to imagine having to go through such a thing at so young an age and even more difficult to imagine being able to write about it with such tremendous limitations.

I just finished this book and am amazed at the effort and courage shown by the author in writing his book. And he manages to keep the tone matter of fact depite the agony of an active mind trapped in a body thst doesn't respond to his commands.
The chapter that showed just how helpless he was is the chapter where he mentions his sensitivity to loud sounds and the torture he goes through when they forget to shut his door.

Beautiful and heartbreaking.

I read this a few years ago, it was very well written and not depressing at all, considering the subject matter. It was very easy to read, in fact maybe too easy and I should probably read it again sometime.

I read this book a few years ago shortly after seeing the film on TV. The movie was excellent, as was the book. I remember feeling amazed that communication was even possible so that he could tell his story. It's well worth reading, watching, or both!