Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris

1 review

wynnebirchmaple's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Sarajevo during the 1990s.  A harmonious society becomes a partitioned war-torn ruin. There is genocide, nationalism and failed aid supports. This work centers around an artist’s response to remaining when she has sent her family onward and becomes trapped in the country she has always loved. The narrative is told beautifully and for this reader is not trauma porn. It’s a necessary story to tell and as all witness the world’s stage and fights for power and resources, a cautionary tale as well.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Death, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, War, and Deportation

Please keep in mind, though the ending is not all flowers and butterflies, there is survival and the opportunity for truth to be further witnessed. This book is tastefully and artfully done even though the story of Bosnia is one of horrors. Author, Priscilla Morris practices restraint and consideration for her readers and greater purpose. There’s a reason this book made it to the 2023 Women’s Prize shortlist.