Scan barcode
A review by chandaferguson
Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Lại
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.5
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read because I love the balance of
education versus inspiration and engagement that the author has to cultivate in their work. While
I have read many novels within this genre, YA historical fiction is one that I’ve only been
reading for a couple of years as the genre didn’t spark my interest as a young adult reader myself.
Discovering newly released YA fiction novels has also inspired me to backtrack and read other
publications from the recent past that I missed, and “Butterfly Yellow” was one of those titles.
Published in 2019, “Butterfly Yellow” is a 320 page novel that tells the story of a young
Vietnamese girl, Hằng, in search of her brother.
After already enduring a treacherous journey from Việt Nam to Texas, Hằng is
determined to right the mistakes of her past and to make true her heart’s desires. What surprised
me the most about this story was that Hằng’s past and journey is mostly alluded to, whereas her
present and the current relationships she’s making, the identity development taking place within
her, and the passions and drive that motivate her daily are more of a focus of the story, allowing
for these things to imbed themselves in the plot and main idea, despite this story being so much
larger than that as well. It makes historical fiction approachable, as Hằng is a character who
grows, who employs comedic relief at opportune moments, and whose innocence and purity of
heart inspires readers. The unlikely friendship that blooms between Hằng and LeeRoy is sweet
and truly a large aspect of what makes this such a likable story as well.Ferguson 2
In my opinion, this is a great introduction to historical fiction and realistic fiction for YA
readers, and I believe that many readers would greatly enjoy the emotional impact and subtle
depth of this novel, as well as its lyrical style and cultural moments. However, as an avid reader
of many historical fiction novels, this is not a book that has had a great impact on me. Thus I do
believe there are better historical fiction recommendations to really entice readers into reading in
general, as well as specifically reading this genre. I recommend this for readers looking for a
light introduction to the genre or readers who are interested specifically in the culture and history
present in this knowledge, but if a reader is looking at an impactful historical fiction novel to
stand out amongst the many and leave a deep, lasting impact, this is not one that I would
recommend.
I found myself enjoying the novel, and overall, I truly do think it was successful in its
endeavor, but I feel as though the contrast and development of the relationship between LeeRoy
and Hằng was distracting at times to the historical context that was also such a forward part of
the novel. While it did add depth and a realistic example of growing empathy to the novel, I felt
as though Hằng’s story and experience was overshadowed at times by the other elements of the
plot, thus making the overall and conclusive impact of the novel leaving me wanting more.
education versus inspiration and engagement that the author has to cultivate in their work. While
I have read many novels within this genre, YA historical fiction is one that I’ve only been
reading for a couple of years as the genre didn’t spark my interest as a young adult reader myself.
Discovering newly released YA fiction novels has also inspired me to backtrack and read other
publications from the recent past that I missed, and “Butterfly Yellow” was one of those titles.
Published in 2019, “Butterfly Yellow” is a 320 page novel that tells the story of a young
Vietnamese girl, Hằng, in search of her brother.
After already enduring a treacherous journey from Việt Nam to Texas, Hằng is
determined to right the mistakes of her past and to make true her heart’s desires. What surprised
me the most about this story was that Hằng’s past and journey is mostly alluded to, whereas her
present and the current relationships she’s making, the identity development taking place within
her, and the passions and drive that motivate her daily are more of a focus of the story, allowing
for these things to imbed themselves in the plot and main idea, despite this story being so much
larger than that as well. It makes historical fiction approachable, as Hằng is a character who
grows, who employs comedic relief at opportune moments, and whose innocence and purity of
heart inspires readers. The unlikely friendship that blooms between Hằng and LeeRoy is sweet
and truly a large aspect of what makes this such a likable story as well.Ferguson 2
In my opinion, this is a great introduction to historical fiction and realistic fiction for YA
readers, and I believe that many readers would greatly enjoy the emotional impact and subtle
depth of this novel, as well as its lyrical style and cultural moments. However, as an avid reader
of many historical fiction novels, this is not a book that has had a great impact on me. Thus I do
believe there are better historical fiction recommendations to really entice readers into reading in
general, as well as specifically reading this genre. I recommend this for readers looking for a
light introduction to the genre or readers who are interested specifically in the culture and history
present in this knowledge, but if a reader is looking at an impactful historical fiction novel to
stand out amongst the many and leave a deep, lasting impact, this is not one that I would
recommend.
I found myself enjoying the novel, and overall, I truly do think it was successful in its
endeavor, but I feel as though the contrast and development of the relationship between LeeRoy
and Hằng was distracting at times to the historical context that was also such a forward part of
the novel. While it did add depth and a realistic example of growing empathy to the novel, I felt
as though Hằng’s story and experience was overshadowed at times by the other elements of the
plot, thus making the overall and conclusive impact of the novel leaving me wanting more.