I’ll admit that one of my favorite fashion mags is Elle.* So, when I heard that this book was written by an editor of Elle magazine, I was intrigued. Then… I heard what this book was about. Actually, as I reflect on all this layering in my consciousness for my interest in this story, I believe I was not aware of it all until I saw the film being nominated for an Oscar.
I started seeing this pop up in blog reviews as a terrific read.
You all know I love memoirs and biographies. [Here's my formal acceptance of the challenge In Their Shoes]
Jean-Dominic Bauby, at the age of 43, suffers the kind of massive stroke that usually kills. For Mr. Bauby, it renders his physical self unresponsive and puts him into a state that is clinically referred to as ‘Locked-in’ Syndrome. He can only use his left eyelid to communicate.
The part about the alphabet was fascinating. It doesn’t say how he figured out his arrangement of the letters in order of frequency of use – but wow! How tedious this sounds – admit it! He must blink so many times to count and thus ’land’ on the letter he wants to use in the sentence he is transcribing to his assistant. and in this way, he writes this memoir.
His indomitable spirit! His ability to travel in his mind to far away places. He takes his time with memories to fully enjoy their power. The way he savors every bite of food that is now only in his mind.
With rarely any self-pity. Frustration? Hell yes. Anger? plenty. But he keeps a sense of humor. Wow.
As someone who volunteers as the Rehabilitation Hospital in town where all ages and all levels of functioning are cared for, I know I struggle to remember that someone is inside these uncooperating bodies. I hope I give them their due respect, I concentrate on looking direct and saying hello. I have no idea that what they think of me and my dog. I so appreciate the nurses examples and helpful reactions to my visits; with so little idea that I am doing any good, I don’t know what I should feel. I hope I’m making connections…
This book is another reminder of what truly makes us human is not our skin and bones but the soul within.
* Elle’s book reviews are the best, in my opinion, for a fashion mag.
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