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Product Description
Product Description
"I was fifteen when my mother finally told me the truth about my father. She didn't mean to. She meant to keep it a secret forever. If she'd succeeded it might have saved us all." When a hauntingly familiar stranger knocks on Roberta Dutreau's door, she is compelled to begin a journey of self-discovery leading back to her childhood. But is she ready to know the truth about what happened to her, her best friend Cynthia and their mothers that tragic night ten years ago?
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"The Butterfly House" is a delicately written, enthralling book, and its occasional small downfall does not hide the originality and beauty of the story and writing.
Roberta Dutreau grows up with an alcoholic mother, but her friendship with Cynthia and Cynthia's mother ensures that she is not without love and affection. However the intricacy of the relationships, the insecurities of the women and Roberta's sudden exposure to her father and his past sets the stage for an ultimately tragic result. Years later, the sudden reappearance of Cynthia's father means that all three have to examine what really happened on a night which affected them all forever.
Preston's characterisation is good, and she also spends time on the minor characters which ensures the story 'breathes' and the reader believes in it. A few small details (any more news of Roberta's father, for example?) are missed out but these don't detract from the power of the story. Mother/daughter relationships, as well as friendships, are well examined and each character is well-written so there isn't really one you dislike, or can't feel some empathy with. Roberta's relationship with her husband is in particular perfectly written, and there are no saccharine or false notes in Preston's gentle observation: these characters are human, and the reader aches for them.
"The Butterfly House" isn't perfect - the denouement towards the end of the book is a little rushed and I'm not sure I believe that such a judgement would be made in court - but it is a very good read and I look forward to more of Preston's work appearing on my bookshelf very soon.
Roberta Dutreau grows up with an alcoholic mother, but her friendship with Cynthia and Cynthia's mother ensures that she is not without love and affection. However the intricacy of the relationships, the insecurities of the women and Roberta's sudden exposure to her father and his past sets the stage for an ultimately tragic result. Years later, the sudden reappearance of Cynthia's father means that all three have to examine what really happened on a night which affected them all forever.
Preston's characterisation is good, and she also spends time on the minor characters which ensures the story 'breathes' and the reader believes in it. A few small details (any more news of Roberta's father, for example?) are missed out but these don't detract from the power of the story. Mother/daughter relationships, as well as friendships, are well examined and each character is well-written so there isn't really one you dislike, or can't feel some empathy with. Roberta's relationship with her husband is in particular perfectly written, and there are no saccharine or false notes in Preston's gentle observation: these characters are human, and the reader aches for them.
"The Butterfly House" isn't perfect - the denouement towards the end of the book is a little rushed and I'm not sure I believe that such a judgement would be made in court - but it is a very good read and I look forward to more of Preston's work appearing on my bookshelf very soon.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I had never heard of either Marcia Preston or 'The Butterfly House.' I chanced upon it while browsing Amazon's listmania. I was frustrated because I seem to have read a few lemons lately and was desperate for a good read.
What a wonderful piece of storytelling! Within a few pages I was caught up in the story of these four compelling women.
It is a story of love, yet not in the conventional sense of the word, jealously, forgiveness, friendship, and much, much more. I rooted for all of these richly drawn characters from the start, and finished the novel with a tear in my eye, sorry to leave them all behind. I don't really want to go into details of the plot, Amazon's synopsis will tell you all you need to know, but if you're looking for a good read, and not sure what you want, go ahead and buy it. You'll NOT be disappointed.
This book has restored my belief that there are good books out there and I will be looking up other titles by this talented author.
What a wonderful piece of storytelling! Within a few pages I was caught up in the story of these four compelling women.
It is a story of love, yet not in the conventional sense of the word, jealously, forgiveness, friendship, and much, much more. I rooted for all of these richly drawn characters from the start, and finished the novel with a tear in my eye, sorry to leave them all behind. I don't really want to go into details of the plot, Amazon's synopsis will tell you all you need to know, but if you're looking for a good read, and not sure what you want, go ahead and buy it. You'll NOT be disappointed.
This book has restored my belief that there are good books out there and I will be looking up other titles by this talented author.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Haunted by her difficult childhood, Roberta Dutreau is trying to put the past behind her. Then a familiar face appears, forcing Roberta to embark on a life changing journey and discover the truth about her mother.
I loved the way this book switches between telling the story of Roberta's childhood years and the present day.
This is a beautiful, although sometimes sinister, novel which focuses on mother-daughter relationships, friendships and self discovery.
Cleverly written it is the perfect book for anyone who likes to be able to build their own image of each character throughout the story.
I loved the way this book switches between telling the story of Roberta's childhood years and the present day.
This is a beautiful, although sometimes sinister, novel which focuses on mother-daughter relationships, friendships and self discovery.
Cleverly written it is the perfect book for anyone who likes to be able to build their own image of each character throughout the story.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Discovered a writer with true depth
There is a simplicity and a depth to the writing that hooks you in, certainly a book that I was sorry to finish and I don't think I have ever been so enthralled by a writers skill.
Published 4 months ago by Coco
The Butterfly House
I've not heard of this author before, but I really enjoyed this book. It explores young girls growing up and how experiences effect them. I found in very moving in places. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Bookie
A turbulent tale of secrets and damaged relationships
What a little gem of a novel. I really enjoyed this one!
Primarily centred around mother/daughter relationships (or lack thereof) and friendships, this is a tale that... Read more
Primarily centred around mother/daughter relationships (or lack thereof) and friendships, this is a tale that... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Nicola F (Nic)
A beautifully written book
An amazing well written book. The bond between these women is fantastic. I was so sad when I closed the book for the last time, although the book couldn't go any further I do... Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by Mrs. V. Stephenson
where will you fly?
It is very, very rare that a book makes me tear up, but this one did. This is a very well-written story about love, friendship, and mother/daughter relationships.. Read more
Published on 27 July 2009 by Matilda Wormwood
Beautifully written
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book - it was given to me as a gift and sat on my shelf for months before I got around to reading it. Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2009 by Atheana
Blew me away
Wow, I have just finished this book and I have a tear in my eye. What an impact it made on me - I feel like I have just left friends behind. Read more
Published on 24 July 2008 by Boof
a story of love and sacrifice
"The Butterfly House" is beautifully written story exploring the complicated dynamics in the relationships between 4 women (two young girls and their mothers) and the men that... Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2008 by maria1971
Relationship Insecurities
The main theme of this novel is the love and friendship in the complicated relationship between four women. Read more
Published on 24 Nov 2007 by LindyLouMac
Well worth reading.
This is the first of this author I have read. Having joined a bookring for this via Bookcrossing, I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this captivating story. Loved the book. Read more
Published on 6 Aug 2007 by DE Will
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