Wednesday 15th March 2017
Book Club event: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly “ by Jean-Dominique Bauby (Harpers/Fourth Estate 1997)
“And what if I asked to be changed into a frog, what then? ” The importance of preserving one’s subjectivity and ability to “play” in the face of extreme disability.
This short memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby, a man of 42, who after a severe stroke, develops locked-in syndrome, is a reflective, poignant, humorous but also unflinching account of his inner and outer worlds. Many themes emerge, such as loss, confinement, identity, attachments and the attitude of others to disability.
Vicky thinks this book may resonate in different ways for its readers and that it will inspire a thoughtful discussion.
About the Speaker
Vicky Ross qualified at Birkbeck in 1987 . She has coordinated a refugee counselling service and worked for Mind. She currently works part-time as a university student and staff counsellor, and has a private practice in Crouch End and Old Street.
