THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY

In 1995 the editor-in-chief of the French version of ELLE magazine suffered a debilitating stroke of the brain stem, which left him a paraplegic, able to communicate only by slight facial expressions. Painstakingly, Bauby dictated this journal--one letter at a time--of what it's like to have "locked-in syndrome." As eloquent as Bauby's phrases is Rene Auberjonois's performance of them. The slightest tinge of a French accent brings to life the author's lyrical language now made silent by a freak tragedy. Auberjonois also relays Bauby's somber emotions and memories, switching tone effortlessly to express the witty anecdotal reflections that make this an inspiring audio production. R.A.P. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 97]