Butterfly's Daughter
By Mary Alice Monroe
ARC generously given to me
by Galley Books.
Four very different women embark on a transformational journey that follows the migrating monarchs across the United States to Mexico. The story begins when Luz Avila's grandmother, the local butterfly lady, purchases an old, orange VW bug for a road trip home to Mexico. When she unexpectedly dies, Luz is inspired to take her grandmother's ashes home. In the manner of the Aztec myth of the goddess who brings light to the world, Luz attracts a collection of lost women, each seeking change in their lives. The Mexican people believe the monarchs are the spirits of the recently departed and Luz taps into ancient rituals and myths as she follows the spectacular, glittering river of orange monarchs in the sky to home.
I usually don't do a review on a book till I have read the book through its entirety. But because Mary Alice Monroe is a local author, near Charleston. I had to sing out praises for this one. Her novel, Butterfly's Daughter will be published on May 3rd. Of course I am still going to review the entire book.
I have never read Mary Alice Monroe's novels before. All I knew she is a ecology activist. Her novels are based on the turtles. Many turtles in SC have died because of lack of knowledge about the survival of the turtles.
Now that said, I will tell you I am loving this novel from from the first word. The book opened my heart. Already I am emotional during my read. I laughed, cried, and that is only on pg. 50
.
First off, let me tell you this is not Chich-lit or a Beach Read!!
The book is so vivid, I could see Luz, and her Abuela(grandmother) in front of me. Mary Alice's description of the character's, physically and emotionally is so vivid. How she describes their home I can see it vividly. The writing is so fluid.
I am the type of reader that does not like descriptive writing. But for some reason this work with this novel. I am not a professional reviewer or writer. I am sure you can tell that by reading my blog. I usually don't write about the writing style. I don't notice most of the time about the writing. But, for some reason in this novel I notice.
I am not the kind a person that reads books with supernatural, and mystism in it. It grabbed me right from the start of the novel. I am a straight forward person. I think this novel may surprise you, as it did me. But, because Mary Alice Monroe is a local author I thought to give her a try. I was surprised.
I plan to post on the literary road trip. Local bloggers write about the local author's they read by spreading the word and sharing their reading experiences with others.
I was fortunate to recieve this novel from Mary Alice and her publicist before the release date.
Stay tuned for the entire review in a couple of weeks. If you want more info. about the book and the author you may visit her webpage here.
Happy Reading,