Reviews

The Butterfly's Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe

maryrobinson's review against another edition

2.0

A young Mexican-American woman’s journey parallels the migration of the Monarch Butterfly to Mexico. Very interesting to learn about the amazing Monarch but the story is somewhat heavy-handed and predictable.

megs2kool's review against another edition

5.0

I enjoyed this book very much! It really brought out many emotions in me- sadness, fear, nervousness, anger, contentment...it ran the gamut! I really liked watching the characters change and mature as the book went on. Beautifully written!

mmelibertine's review against another edition

1.0

This book desperately needed a harsh editor. I was initially very pleased with the number of women in the book, and their varied personalities and strengths, but they're all quickly revealed to be flat stereotypes. Further, they're overshadowed by paternal, condescending, and sometimes abusive men. There's constant othering, subtle and overt. There are typos and misused words galore, and it's too long by half (at least). It's at best a beach read masquerading as something more.

For real Hispanic characters, presented respectfully, check out Daniel José Older, Chloe Aridjis, or Roberto Bolaño instead.

bethomas111's review against another edition

5.0

The first two thirds of this novel were great. The author took some turns that I did not see coming. I love that. The last third was drudgery. I had to skip some paragraphs. My favorite quote from this story is, "She yearned to go on some adventure to see the world."

lisar's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed following Luz's travels and the women she meets along the way and also to learn about the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.

lorees_reading_nook's review against another edition

4.0

An endearing story about 3 generations of women and their ethereal connection to monarch butterflies. This is a book about every girl's journey to womanhood.

elibar's review against another edition

3.0

This book is good light reading if you don't over-analyze it and get nit-picky about the details, just take it for what it is - a charming story about self-realization, healing, and the power of relationships.

mcurry1010's review against another edition

3.0

Enjoyed the intertwining of the monarch butterfly's migration with the personal journey of 21 year old Luz.

randab's review against another edition

4.0

Added to my bucket list: go to the wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly in Mexico.

vnesting's review against another edition

3.0

A bit heavy-handed with the message at times, but overall a good fast read.