The diving bell and the butterfly
I saw this movie first, and then read the book. I found both equally good.
It is a memoir by Jean-Do Bauby, the editor-in chief of Elle magazine who suffers a cerebralvascular accident (stroke) which leaves him completely paralyzed, with the exception of his left eye and some movement of his head. He uses his left eye to blink correct alphabets taught to him by his speech therapist, and manages to “write” this book and live his daily life with the help of those at the instutution where he is kept, and his friends and family. Its a touching story, and yet an inspiring one of a man whom despite his physically “locked-in” syndrome will not allow his spirit to be trapped as well. While his body is trapped in this diving bell, his mind, humor, wit and imagination soar like that of a butterfly and go where ever it pleases.
It is a reminder to all of us whom suffer from the everyday ‘locked-in” syndrom of our minds, where we allow ourselves to become trapped in a diving bell when instead we can flit around anywhere we please like a butterfly. A good read, and a good movie to watch.
Written by Smriti on April 3rd, 2009 with
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