Reviews tagging 'Slavery'

The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

14 reviews

valentinaambrosius's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m sorry but I have to deduct a full point for the ridiculously abrupt ending and the nothing plot twist. As in there was no twist and the book just ended while I waited for a thing to happen. 
 
 Now, after having read a few other reviews I’ve got very little to add in the shape of substance. So I’ll just reiterate. 

Yes, it does require a certain amount of suspension of disbelieve that this large group of girls didn’t think to band together—considering they’re already quite close; and seem able to stay somewhat out of view of prying ears and eyes—to take down The Gardener. 

That being said I understand—well I think I can emphasize with the amount of courage it would take to do so. I’ve never been brutally violated like they have; but at least a few of them seem to be strong enough, brave enough and convincing enough to get the other butterflies to join them. 

Furthermore I loved hating Maya, her wit, her sarcasm and how mature she was while staying a believable 18 year old woman/girl. (at 18 I’d still say child; but that is a personal choice) 

I have to admit that The Gardener was rather tame. He did what he did to the girls, yes, but considering this trilogy is called The Collector; I couldn’t help but think of the book The Collector. I forgot his name, but The Gardener reminded me of him or more precisely what he could’ve been. The collector is from the perspective of the Collector. Still I believe this collector could’ve been more like that one; creepier, more unhinged. His behaviour seemed perfectly normal except for the killing and violating etc. his reactions to requests and to the things the girls wanted and how they rebelled seemed perfectly well adjusted. 

This kind of thing could be true for actual men like this… I just doubt it? 

 

Avery would’ve been a nice collector, a more believable/interesting Gardener in my opinion. Though that might’ve pushed into cliché territory. 

 

Desmond was equally a bit to forthcoming and painfully naïve. Maya’s refusal to spill also seemed only there for drama’s sake. A girl this cynical suddenly thinking she can love a man into letting her out and letting him discover for himself when he proves from the get-go to have no interest in exploring?

 

So, yes, 4 stars. It was beautifully written. The story structure was an amazing and well used tool id like to see and read more of. I just might pick up the next one. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury

inemuri's review against another edition

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder

becca_akins's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Butterfly Garden would have been a five star if it weren’t for a certain plot reveal that occurs at the end of the book. I think some people will really like the reveal but I was let down by it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, and Kidnapping

beauty_andbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While this had a creep essence to it, the story more relied on the story of friendship and community among the “butterflies” in the garden. I wanted more creepy than the friendship factor. I think most people who aren’t used to true crime thrillers will think this is a fine book but the synopsis sort of tricked me into thinking it would be a terrifying read. 

Another thing to keep in mind is there are no chapters. So keeping track of the story can be tough sometimes. It goes between past and present with a border symbol that breaks them apart. It’s an interesting format. This books is also part of a 4 book series but all the books in the series involve totally different crime stories with just the same detectives. So for me personally, I will not be investing my time in reading the others.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, and Murder