Reviews with content warning for War - Black Butterflies

Set in Sarajevo 1992, at the beginning of the Bosnian war and the break-up of Yugoslavia, we follow Zora. Her family have already left for England, but she remains in the city as things worsen and conditions get harder, still trying to find hope and comfort in her painting.

The first wars I was really aware of, I remember seeing images and snippets from the news, but I knew woefully little about what was happening and why. This book shed some light on a part of European history I really should've known more about, and my heart broke for Zora as she tried to stay hopeful as the food ran out, the power went, neighbours turned on each other, and the war grew ever closer to her doorstep.

A hard read, but a very necessary one.

Content Warnings

chrysos79's review

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

habibaa20's review

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emotional informative sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Content Warnings

brynpemery's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

just_danusch's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Content Warnings

apthompson's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense fast-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? No

3.0

Content Warnings

milliemarilyn's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

Beautifully written yet heartbreaking story of a woman during a war as the world crushes down around her. This is a story of resilience and hope even in the darkest times, of friendship and finding community in the worst times. Zora is an artist and her love and dependence on art is prevalent throughout.

I didn’t know anything about the siege of Sarajevo before listening to this book, book some research alongside listening means I’ve learnt a fair amount. I can see why this was nominated for women’s book of the year, five stars.

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