MARCH BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION NIGHT - discuss Diving Bell and Butterfly here from 8-10pm on Tuesday 25th March

[TillyBookClub]

This is the salon to come to for March Book of the Month discussion night where we'll be getting stuck into The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Looking forward to seeing you all here between 8-10 next Tuesday 25th.

And don't forget you can now vote for April's book - a selection of Unsung Heroes - here

Not so much the scientific breakthroughs but the everday care, moving him, leaving him in the same position for too long, turning off the TV or it being on too loud, curtains, not being drawn etc

Oooh, gotta go eat...

Got to go bath...

I think I constantly question the fundamental essense of myself...every time I think I've figured it out, some new situation happens which turns my thinking on its head!!
Re coping mechanisms, I'd like to think mine would be memories of loved ones and music (as opposed to the pillow over the head!), but really don't know how I would cope if something as major as this actually happened to me.

I wonder if he was a patient person in a previous life, or if the position he was in forced it on him?

I am RUBBISH at being patient and can'y help thinking that iw ould just go spare..

CocoBear, i heartily agree, I loved the fact he was still a grumpy, quite greedy Frenchman who hadn't miraculously become a saintly figure with all the edges smoothed off.

I don't know of any other book about disability like this one. I've heard about Sue Townsend's book but haven't read it.

it is interesting when he notes the other hospital patient's reactions during the physio sessions - even though they are physcially impaired themelseves they can't really look him in the eye. Everyone is prejudiced.

Will need to love you and leave you-have to sort out DD, and DH is wanting the computer!

oooh, we are dropping like flies!

Mind you, it is a very short book, so a short thread was likely!

(Although I am sure it didn't feel short when you wrote it with one eyelid....)

My last question is if anyone's seen the film yet - and if so, did you think it was as good as the book? I am dying to see it, can't imagine how they have translated all these qualities of the writing.

Not seen film, but I know it has had stellar reviews. Will def watch dvd.

Yup, we can wrap it up early as it's pretty quiet anyway with Easter and all.

notyummy, had the same thought, was sure I remembered it being MUCH longer and then felt just a wee bit demanding when I wished he'd done another 100 pages.

And just to add thanks everyone and will let you know results of Aprils poll this Friday, 8pm
Tx

I'd love to see the film. DH says there's no way he's going to watch a 3-hr film about a man winking, so it's out of the question for date night!

Thanks Tilly! I'm loving this book group, I'm reading the books every month even if not contributing to the discussion. Bet there's loads of lurkers out there...

Hello-I came back for the last bit of the chat but you've all gone!! Anyway, thanks Tilly-I agree this is a great book club and I've had fun with the book choices these last few months (though this is the first time I've joined in the discussion)!
I'm also looking forward to the film...
See you in April

Thanks for this everyone. Looking forward to the outcome of the vote so I can get hold of the next one!

hi everyone. Sorry I missed this last night - I was stuck on the M62 and didn't get back till 9.45 (you'd all gone by then anyway)

For me, the one thing that summed up his inability to do anything for himself was when the orderly left his room one evening, switching the telly off on his way out - it was half time in the football match that Jean-Dominique was watching!

Anyway, I'll definitely be around for the next chat.

what sort of half-assed excuse is that?

well... I was stuck on the M62, my mobile ran out of power and (perhaps most importantly) I was driving

Did you have a passenger with remote internet access? They could have posted salient and extremely insightful points on your behalf. I think that's worth bearing (bearing?) in mind for next time .

Sorry I missed this as Diving Bell is one of my favourite books..I've ready 10 times plus.

But must give HUGE recommendation to the film - it's probably the best film i've seen in 5 years... and I see loads of films! Just stunningly beautiful and so moving and uplifting...it's not grim at all, just like the book. I went alone as other half doesnt like "medical" films but i'm going to buy the DVD and I am sure he'll like it too.

And Mathieu Amalric is absolutely HOT in this and so charismatic, sexy and cheeky....he owns this film. I'm so glad that Johnny Depp was too busy with those pesky Pirate films to break away and make this. It is perfectly French.

I only learnt that Johnny Depp was supposed to be starring in it the other day. Can't conceive of him playing Jean-Dominique, he'd be way too kooky and bird-like. I imagine J-D to be large, strong, not handsome, very French.

Have still not managed to get to cinema but praying some small flea-pit somewhere will still be showing it next week.

squonk, you're totally forgiven and see you for April's chat on Tuesday 29th.
CocoBear, am v happy you enjoying the club, I am too (its my first book club - at Penguin I used to talk to reading groups all the time but never had one of my very own)

Hope everyone's managed to get a copy of Fall on Your Knees - Amazon seem to have a very long delivery time, so I'd try Blackwell or Waterstones if you need it sent to you.

I only learnt that Johnny Depp was supposed to be starring in it the other day. Can't conceive of him playing Jean-Dominique, he'd be way too kooky and bird-like. I imagine J-D to be large, strong, not handsome, very French.

That is exactly what the real Jean-Do was like. Tall, dark, plump and not particularly attractive, but everyone in his orbit fell in love with him...