Reviews

The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

tigerlipgloss's review against another edition

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4.0

There are some unnecessary plot lines added at the end, but a very good story. 

pmtthemonkey's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gaylee_kum's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

i loved the way this was written! going between first and third person was such a good choice for this story. it was full of complex emotions and the main character felt like a real person i could understand even not relating to the story itself. it was tastefully gruesome, not saying more than they had to to convey the worst parts

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lillybookland's review

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3.0

This book was a surprise I didn't expect that I'll enjoy it, at first it was hard to keep up with because of the writing but I could not put it down it's creepy and disturbing but I want to know what's going to happened to the girls.

I loved how the girls care about each other instand of being jealous or in love with the gardener I was afraid that this book will turn to a romance and get weird but it was so real and sad

What I didn't like is how the author made Maya's character a heroic figure, I mean she's only 16 she can't be that brave and strong nothing breaks her, and her lame reason for keeping her identity a secret come on I expect something a twist or something more shocking, but overall I enjoyed reading it I give it 3 stars

briannesha's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It’s a 5 star because I cried when I didn’t expect to . And I love that

briannesha's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It’s a 5 star cause I cried when I didn’t expect too . 

flamepea's review

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3.0

Two FBI agents have the role of uncovering the horrors that occurred in the Garden. It’s a vicious and tragic tale of girls dealing with rape, sexual abuse, and dealing with the physiological effects of The Garden.

This book is very beautifully written despite dealing with very emotional issues & a twisted story. I was honestly in awe of how well written this book was but also haunted by the terrible experiences the girls dealt with. It managed to contain a good level of eeriness at the start to hook the readers and left me wondering what was going to next. I honestly thought I would rate this book 4-5 stars. The book was consistently good- except for the ending which I found so last minute and frustrating. Even though the ending did not live up to build up its a book you can’t forget and like nothing I’ve read before.

wildadventures's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.5

krissy_booking's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Some books burrow into your mind, leaving you unsettled long after the final page.  The Butterfly Garden is now firmly entrenched in that category.  Even as I start a new book, I find myself constantly drawn back to the harrowing world Hutchison crafts.

This haunting masterpiece transcends the horror genre, offering a beautiful yet horrifying exploration of resilience in the face of unimaginable captivity.  The idyllic setting of the "Butterfly Garden" stands in stark contrast to the brutal reality the young women trapped within endure.



Unflinching Heroines make a compelling cast of female characters, each with their own unique personalities and strengths.  We see echoes of Pippi Longstocking's spirit in their defiance, whispers of Lord of the Flies' desperation in their struggles for survival, and the unwavering resilience of Annie and her fellow orphans gal pals making the best sing-songy of a crappy situation.  The protagonist herself embodies the quiet determination of Harriet the Spy, keenly observing and documenting their harrowing ordeal.

The additional characters, though their backstories are spare, serve a vital purpose.  They flesh out the chilling world of the garden, adding depth and reinforcing the sheer number of lives the Gardener has stolen.

The Butterfly Garden is a masterfully woven tale that will stay with you long after the last page.  If you're looking for a horror experience that offers unforgettable characters, this is a must-read.

emmie_humphreys's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0