The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly - Tapa blanda

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. A masterpiece and a bestseller in France.

On 8 December 1995, Jean-Dominique 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 6th March 1997. It was immediately hailed as a masterpiece. And then, three days later, he died.

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly, which records Bauby’s lonely existence, is probably the most remarkable book about the triumph of the human spirit, the ability to invent a life for oneself in the most appalling of circumstances, that you will ever read

After suffering a massive stroke, Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French Elle and the father of two young children, found himself completely paralysed, speechless and only able to move one eyelid. With this eyelid he 'dictated' this remarkable book.

"A staggering piece of work. It represents an almost inconceivable act of generosity, the gift of the mind and spirit for which writing was designed."
A. L. KENNEDY

"This is a memoir where the man speaks for the moment, and it is one of the great books of the century."
'Jackie Wullschlager'FINANCIAL TIMES

"Read this book and fall back in love with life."
EDMUND WHITE