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A review by lydiavsbooks
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A very dark book but also an incredibly gripping one. As horrible as it is its also a really interesting and creative concept that was carried out brilliantly. The 'world building' of the garden was perfectly done and it just felt so real.
I loved our main character and hearing her narration, flipping back and forth between being in the interview room and being in the garden. The gardener was such an interesting and complex villain to follow and try to understand. Although obviously an extreme example there was some great commentary on violence against women, power, and responsibility when it comes to intervening.
There was one point I thought it was going in a direction I really didn't like (trying to be vague to avoid spoikers) but it got explained and thankfully didn't go there. Although the reveal at the end I'm not sure how I feel about, it felt a little too coincidental and there was no real need other than for the sake of having another secret to reveal. But I also wasn't mad at it.
Overall just a really brilliant book with a really good balance between the very dark content and the almost hopeful sense of family and connection found even in the worst scenarios. Definitely recommend but definitely check content warnings.
I loved our main character and hearing her narration, flipping back and forth between being in the interview room and being in the garden. The gardener was such an interesting and complex villain to follow and try to understand. Although obviously an extreme example there was some great commentary on violence against women, power, and responsibility when it comes to intervening.
There was one point I thought it was going in a direction I really didn't like (trying to be vague to avoid spoikers) but it got explained and thankfully didn't go there. Although the reveal at the end I'm not sure how I feel about, it felt a little too coincidental and there was no real need other than for the sake of having another secret to reveal. But I also wasn't mad at it.
Overall just a really brilliant book with a really good balance between the very dark content and the almost hopeful sense of family and connection found even in the worst scenarios. Definitely recommend but definitely check content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Child abuse, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Grief