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acolly's review
4.0
I plowed through this novel in two days and felt completely ensconced. Morris does an amazing job of highlighting the slow burn of the siege. The tactile descriptions of the temperature, noises, and hunger were honest and realistic. A time and place that I was only slightly familiar with having traveled to Dubrovnik 5 years ago and stumbled into an exhibition highlighting the tragedies of the Bosnian war.
I had a hard time suspending my belief that a 55-year-old woman would volunteer to stay when her entire family has left Sarajevo for the safety of England. I understand the use of the plot device but it just felt like an initial eyebrow raise. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and she didn’t want to leave her life, hard work, and art behind, BUT it was too painful past irony.
The realization of what the black butterflies were got me in the feels.
I read the synopsis of this book when it was long-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and then struggled to get my hands on a copy! I had to order it from a UK publisher but it was worth the wait. An incredible debut from Morris. Would definitely read more from this author.
I had a hard time suspending my belief that a 55-year-old woman would volunteer to stay when her entire family has left Sarajevo for the safety of England. I understand the use of the plot device but it just felt like an initial eyebrow raise. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and she didn’t want to leave her life, hard work, and art behind, BUT it was too painful past irony.
The realization of what the black butterflies were got me in the feels.
I read the synopsis of this book when it was long-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and then struggled to get my hands on a copy! I had to order it from a UK publisher but it was worth the wait. An incredible debut from Morris. Would definitely read more from this author.
evelina96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
bookishpenguin's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jemmanicho's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
krissy_reads's review against another edition
5.0
My heart =(. I care so deeply about these characters because they feel so real. Having loved ones who lived through this and had to escape it makes it that much more powerful.
This is a beautiful but painful book. It's not a long book, but I had to read it a bit slowly to get through it.
This is a beautiful but painful book. It's not a long book, but I had to read it a bit slowly to get through it.
dianna_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sharvey12's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
emmalouise06's review against another edition
4.0
Black Butterflies is a story inspired by the authors experience of the seige of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo in the 90's and what it is like for ordinary people caught up in a conflict zone.
It really highlights how we take things for granted in our consumerist society. Yet, in changing circumstances we might lose everything we have, our possessions, our freedom, anything which make us human, overnight.
It’s a story of resilience and the amazing community spirit that can spring up in amongst the tragedy of war.
I found it a disturbing and harrowing read. The way the author describes events creates a strong image in your mind of how difficult day to day life must have been.
Black butterflies is a term used to describe the charred remains of books and art which were burned during the attacks on the city. Art and literature was a large focus in the story as something that helped to soothe and connect throughout the conflict.
It’s a book that keeps you thinking long after reading the last page.
It really highlights how we take things for granted in our consumerist society. Yet, in changing circumstances we might lose everything we have, our possessions, our freedom, anything which make us human, overnight.
It’s a story of resilience and the amazing community spirit that can spring up in amongst the tragedy of war.
I found it a disturbing and harrowing read. The way the author describes events creates a strong image in your mind of how difficult day to day life must have been.
Black butterflies is a term used to describe the charred remains of books and art which were burned during the attacks on the city. Art and literature was a large focus in the story as something that helped to soothe and connect throughout the conflict.
It’s a book that keeps you thinking long after reading the last page.
jadekelly90's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0