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A review by leandrathetbrzero
The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting: The Tragedy and The Glory of Growing Up by Evanna Lynch
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
↓ Similar Reading Experiences ↓
1. E.J. Koh’s The Magical Language of Others
2. Jazmina Barrera’s On Lighthouses
3. Leslie Jamison’s The Empathy Exams
While I have read every Harry Potter book and watched the movies inspired by them, I was never a Potterhead or HP fangirl. In fact, I started reading the books long after seeing many of the movies in and out of theaters when I was in high school. My love of the series has since then been dampened by JK Rowling’s openly expressed transphobia. Therefore, when a friend and coworker mentioned she was reading Evanna Lynch’s memoir, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, I showed polite interest – mainly because Luna Lovegood was my favorite character in the series. By the end of the conversation, however, my friend and I agreed that I would borrow the library’s copy once she returned it herself.
In her memoir, Lynch reflects on moments in her childhood that shaped and affected her inquisitive, creative mind. She gives her readers insight into the beginning stages of developing an eating disorder (ED), the many modes of treatment attempted to lead her toward recovery, and how she continues to support her own mental health and happiness as an adult. Among the many aspects of this book that are brilliant, Lynch has made me more aware – of myself and my own childhood, of those who live with an ED and how I might best support them, and of the many treatments that exists, some more harmful than others. Most importantly, Lynch reminds us of the person who often becomes overshadowed by their ED.
Lynch has one of the most honest, relatable authorial voices I have ever experienced. Her opposition toward womanhood and her refusal to grow up during childhood put words to paper of feelings I recall having myself but I was never able to exactly articulate them. While this is a memoir recording Lynch’s childhood, I believe it speaks to many of us and how we felt growing up. With that said, some of the darkest moments that Lynch shares humbled me and my own issues with body dysmorphia, my own turbulent relationship with food and mental health. Lynch does not write this book to alienate anyone, however, whether you have lived with an ED or not. She simply reflects on the progress, the setbacks, the treatments that supported her recovery and those that harmed it. She speaks openly and beautifully about her experiences, and I greatly appreciate her decision to invite us into her darkness.
1. E.J. Koh’s The Magical Language of Others
2. Jazmina Barrera’s On Lighthouses
3. Leslie Jamison’s The Empathy Exams
While I have read every Harry Potter book and watched the movies inspired by them, I was never a Potterhead or HP fangirl. In fact, I started reading the books long after seeing many of the movies in and out of theaters when I was in high school. My love of the series has since then been dampened by JK Rowling’s openly expressed transphobia. Therefore, when a friend and coworker mentioned she was reading Evanna Lynch’s memoir, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, I showed polite interest – mainly because Luna Lovegood was my favorite character in the series. By the end of the conversation, however, my friend and I agreed that I would borrow the library’s copy once she returned it herself.
In her memoir, Lynch reflects on moments in her childhood that shaped and affected her inquisitive, creative mind. She gives her readers insight into the beginning stages of developing an eating disorder (ED), the many modes of treatment attempted to lead her toward recovery, and how she continues to support her own mental health and happiness as an adult. Among the many aspects of this book that are brilliant, Lynch has made me more aware – of myself and my own childhood, of those who live with an ED and how I might best support them, and of the many treatments that exists, some more harmful than others. Most importantly, Lynch reminds us of the person who often becomes overshadowed by their ED.
Lynch has one of the most honest, relatable authorial voices I have ever experienced. Her opposition toward womanhood and her refusal to grow up during childhood put words to paper of feelings I recall having myself but I was never able to exactly articulate them. While this is a memoir recording Lynch’s childhood, I believe it speaks to many of us and how we felt growing up. With that said, some of the darkest moments that Lynch shares humbled me and my own issues with body dysmorphia, my own turbulent relationship with food and mental health. Lynch does not write this book to alienate anyone, however, whether you have lived with an ED or not. She simply reflects on the progress, the setbacks, the treatments that supported her recovery and those that harmed it. She speaks openly and beautifully about her experiences, and I greatly appreciate her decision to invite us into her darkness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm