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The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly  By  cover art

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly

By: Jean-Dominique Bauby
Narrated by: Richard Derrington
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Publisher's summary

Whilst suffering from a condition whereby he was unable to speak and his only movement was the blinking of an eyelid, Jean-Dominique Bauby devised a code for each letter of the alphabet and dictated this book about his experiences and feelings. He died just after it was published. This moving, extraordinary book is read by Richard Derrington.

©1997 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)1997 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly

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  • RC
  • 08-17-16

Thought provoking

This was recommended by my GP colleague since it details the struggles and life of a man who to some people shows minimal signs of life. It shows how even the smallest thing can be important and that life should not be taken for granted since it is only when you've lost something that you realise how privileged you are.

It is well read and easy to listen to. It can elicit sadness and then laughter as you travel through some of this mans thoughts. I listened to this whilst driving and it made me reflect on how I approach life.

It's a story I will remember!

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3 people found this helpful

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  • Samantha
  • 09-24-14

A must-read for all healthcare professionals!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As a nurse, really opened my eyes to everything that we do matters to our patients and how its the little things that can make all the difference.

Any additional comments?

A lovely well written book and well read by speaker.

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  • Brianako
  • 01-22-20

inspirational

One of those short books that you have to stop everything to listen in wonder. And just marvel. life is precious.

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  • Anna French
  • 02-27-17

Truly beautiful

Every word in this book is thoroughly thought out and has it's place. Life affirming and powerful, yet immensely enjoyable.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 10-10-22

No big revelations...

It could be that it's just me, who expected a bit more from this book, but I can't help myself, but feeling to be let down a little. What did I expect? Probably some reflection, changes of perspective, transformation... It was mostly ramblings of past and present events, few imaginary inputs, that's about it! Why did he write this book in his condition? One might think, he had something of real importance to tell. Not that so. It appears it's just because the man was in a privileged situation and had means to do so. Most of people, with lesser jobs and less connected in his exact situation just wouldn't had had the actual possibilities to do just that.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-21-22

Elegant and full of emotion

Despite the terrible situation in which Jean-Dominique Bauby was in, his insights are remarkable. Captive in his body which he felt like a diving-bell, his mind remains fully awake, and active , like a butterfly. He describes his state and feelings from that period in such of gratuitous style. The story is full of emotions. The voice and narrative of Richard Derrington gives more life to the story .

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  • KAREN L
  • 05-14-22

very moving story

Very thought provoking. But such a positive outlook on such a life changing situation.

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  • Andreas Ergatoudes
  • 04-16-21

Appreciation for life

A great mind held captive by the body. Well written and well narrated, this little audiobook managed to captivate me. I found this really interesting.The author paradoxically had a zest and appreciation for life that was well transmitted to me

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  • Elena C.
  • 02-03-21

One of my favourites

Incredible, just incredible. Poetic, painful, this short book was finished in one stint.. it’s that good!

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  • Big H
  • 11-16-20

Thought provoking

An amazing account of what life is like for someone in this position. Who new that an active mind was behind this stroke. The pain he feels the vulnerability of his situation. The good and bad staff. Every little detail is magnified in this book. Powerful reading and what a great accomplishment Mr Bauby.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-23-23

Spectacular insight into his mind

I enjoyed listening to this book immensely! He managed to deliver heartbreaking content with humour, and his storytelling had me hooked the entire way. I was hoping him to share some wisdom from going through such an epic tragedy but it was more reconstruction of events and feelings.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 04-18-22

Poetic and moving

Great, clear narration. I listened to this in one sitting. Beautiful imagery and emotion. Love it.

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  • Alec
  • 03-15-22

Left me speechless.

Like many I was drawn to this book by the story behind it. A man dictating a book with the use of one eye …. Curious, puzzling, might be interesting. Well this may well be the most amazing book I’ve ever come across. As a 43 year old family man I am only a year younger than the author was when he was struck down by the stroke which left him locked in. The sense of gratitude which this book has evoked and the application of the tiny elements which make up my mundane yet blessed existence are more powerful than any emotions I can ever recall having after listening to a book. To say I would recommend you read this would be a gross under statement, I wish there was a sixth star to give.

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  • Lauren
  • 04-06-21

Eloquently written

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly is one man’s recount of what his life with “locked-in syndrome” is like. Bauby’s choice of words paints a beautiful and raw picture of his experiences in vivid detail, made even more incredible through the adversity required to write it. Through its reading, you will develop a deeper gratitude and wonder for the life you have.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the human story, or enjoys a read about character development of strength through adversity.

Captured by Bauby’s eloquence of language throughout, I rate this book 4.5/5.

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  • Jessica A.
  • 01-16-21

Short and Sweet

This story is very interesting to listen to, I had to listen to it as apart of a university unit. For the length of it, its super easy to get through.

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  • Peter Bancroft
  • 08-16-19

A journey worth exploring.

Beautifully written from an experience I'd rather not share. But then again, life doesn't always go to plan.

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  • Julia Robertson
  • 01-19-18

Astounding

A fabulous account of the experience of living with locked in syndrome, beautifully portrayed by an astounding author wrote by blinking out each letter of each word. A monumental effort!

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