In the Blink of an Eye: An Inspiring And True Story Of Enduring Love

by Hasso Von Bredow, Catherine von Bredow

On 1 May 2000 Hasso von Bredow's life was forever changed. The young and active father of three suffered a massive stroke at the base of his brainstem, leaving him totally paralysed and unable to speak. With his mind as cognitive and as active as it had always been, his body became his painful prison. IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE is Hasso's moving and life-affirming memoir. At 42 Hasso had to come to terms with a life 'locked in', being dependent on others for every breath, but worst of all, losing his most precious of possessions: his voice. The only way Hasso could communicate with the world was by blinking his eyes. And using coded blinking and state of the art technology, he wrote this incredibly moving memoir letter by letter, helped only by his wife and carer, Catherine. Far from being a self-pitying and depressing read, IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE is a small miracle. It opens a world of human imagination, courage and most importantly, love. Hasso's voice sings from every letter, word and page, and leaves the reader profoundly altered and uplifted. It is a book that resets our internal compass and once read will never be forgotten.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Stacey Small]

Very moving

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A harrowing read! But what amazing tenacity in enduring the awfulness of locked in syndrome. Hasso’s wife Catherine shows the length and depth true love and commitment will go. Hasso himself reveals the unthinkable treatment he sometimes received unintentionally from staff who didn’t realise what it’s like to have no way communicate “I’m in pain!” Or “Help I can’t breathe” ...
The way both Hasso and Catherine write this book is a tribute to honesty, love and courage.

[Joanne Finegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book the time it deserved. I read it slowly and I felt humbled to be in the presence of it's raw emotion. I was moved to tears and smiles. My appreciation and empathy has grown by the power of the words and I feel utterly changed by the omnipresent existence it has opened my eyes to.

[lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives us a sense of what it's like to be locked-in but we will never understand it. Sad real life story. Feel touched to be able to read what the Writers have shared with us.

[Ai Jou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. This book comes from the spirit and voice of a true man, who faced a tragic fate of having 'locked-in' syndrome (full body paralysis but mentally and emotionally alert), the result of a stroke at the age of 42. Being able to only move his eyelids and a small movement in his thumb, he painstakingly wrote this story, letter by letter, so that family and friends, and ultimately readers, can get a glimpse into his world. This truly moving account, added on by his wife Catherine's reminiscences, makes it a beautiful love story as well. It is amazing that he survived 4 years after the stroke when all around him had expected him not to, with the insurmountable challenges facing him day-to-day. That was the strength of his character.

[Christo van Wyk]

A true and inspiring story of enduring love.Hasso von Bredow was completely paralised by a rare neurological disorder where the patient loses all voluntary muscles except those that control eye movement.There is no cure.
Individuals with 'locked-in syndrome' are concious and can think and reason, but are unable to speak or move.The disorder leaves individuals completely mute and paralised.
Hasso was a city banker living a completely normal life..until something happened that would change his life forever...

[Patrick Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this should be compulsory reading for anyone who works in neurology and rehabilitation, it is a very eloquent and moving story about Hasso's experiences and how despite healthcare's best efforts it simply fails to meet the needs of people who are "locked in" to this extent. Great for challenging our complacency in health care. I found it a deeply moving read certainly as good as the Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby).

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change your perspective on life. You may feel guilty about ever complaining about a headache again!

What a cruel end to a brilliant life. Hasso is remarkable for his lack of self pity and Catherine is remarkable in her dedication to him.

I work full time but read the book in 5 days. It`s a book you can`t put down then mourn its` end.

[Baljit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly amazing account of how a perfectly healthy 42 year old man is struck down by a brainstem stoke and afflicted by locked-in syndrome. He is totally paralysed but is mentally alert, his emotions and thoughts locked within him. He and his wife struggle to give him the best possible care, and amazingly his communication through blinks allows him to painstakingly 'write' this book.

[Philippa Cathryn Bresler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst a tender and moving account of an unspeakable tragedy that echoes the deep love that Catherine and Hasso shared in their years together this is not in any way an enjoyable read. I generally tend to read ‘hectic’ literature but I just wanted this to end.

[Debbi Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, a must read

[Iris Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you sit up and rethink , if you have health and love in your life ... that's all you need...

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching. I cried reading it all the way til the end, no kidding. I can't imagine anyone having to live like Hasso did. What a cruel fate! You don't know what you have until it's gone.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most tragic but honest of love stories

[Julie Bayliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

U

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a real page turner. A Great book.

[Nataliec7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12768791