Lisa Heathfield

If you're looking for a feel-good YA book, this is definitely not the book for you! "Paper Butterflies" is (unfortunately) probably the most honest and raw look at a child's life who is living in an abusive situation and what happens when that child finally gets up the courage to ask for help and feel like no one is listening.

June's life is not a pretty story. After her mother's death, June's dad remarries and her stepmother and stepsister are anything but nice to her. On top of that, she show more is constantly bullied at school where she didn't get any help either. I didn't think the fire scene was realistic. Even though she was upset with him, June truly loved her dad and I don't think she would have run out of the house without trying to wake him or going to get help

This is a real-life Cinderella tale with a brutal reminder that all stories don't have happily-ever-afters. show less

Oh, my goodness! What a traumatic, disturbing read this was. I can't even describe the loathing I had for Kathleen as I read this book. My heart was torn to shreds over and over and over again as June endured the truly horrific things she had to at the hands of her step-mother. How any woman could physically, mentally and emotionally abuse a child like she did, is beyond me. I also wanted to rage at June's father, her stepsister, her classmates and her teachers. There were many times I was show more fighting back tears at their cruelty, blindness and ignorance.

Thank goodness for beautiful Blister and his loving, eccentric family who gave June some respite from the abuse she was receiving at home and at school. Without their love and support, and Blister's enduring friendship, I don't think June would have survived. I adored Blister and was moved by their friendship and blossoming romance. So, so touching.

This book was beautifully written and I enjoyed the format the author chose. The book began with a Before chapter, when June is only ten, not long after her father remarried, and the reader watches June grow up as she narrates the story. Even those she is getting older, sadly her home life does not change. Interspersed between the the Before chapters are the After sections which were more about June reflecting, and trying, to make sense of her past.

"Paper Butterflies" was such an emotionally draining, gut-wrenching story that I felt physically ill at times, but it was also a story of hope, love and forgiveness. It is not often that a book has such a powerful impact on me, but this one certain did. show less

Let it be known that I have a weakness for books like Seed. Any time a book is placed in front of me that revolves around a cult, and the life of its inhabitants, I have to read to it. Absolutely must. There's something about these stories that both terrifies and intrigues me. That one person can have that much power, that one single human being can manipulate others into worshiping them, it's something I am fascinated by. So it's no surprise that the moment this book was offered to me I show more snatched it up. I knew Seed would be something I'd want to experience.

In my past experiences with books like this, the one thing that stands out is how well an author deals with all the tough aspects of the society in question. We all know that things go on in cult societies that aren't exactly easy to stomach. That, quite often, there are children at the center of these stories who are put in very uncomfortable situations. In that vein, I have to applaud Lisa Heathfield for expertly navigating this territory. While all of the items I was expecting were definitely present, they were handled with care. I was still able to see into Pearl's world, still privy to her questions and issues, but I never felt that it was over the top. I think that's important for a young adult book.

Speaking of Pearl, it was the characters that really made this book shine for me. Although I couldn't agree with Pearl's outlook on her situation, I understood. Lisa Heathfield brought to life a girl whose whole life was Seed. A girl who knew only the boundaries of what to her was a safe and happy home. A naive girl maybe, but one who had no reason to be otherwise. I felt for Pearl, and for the rest of the characters. Each one of them was real to me. It made this a much tougher read, to be sure, but one that also felt much more fulfilling. I've never wanted to have the power to yell at characters more than I did while reading this book.

Long story short? This was a very well written and, surprisingly (considering the content), easy story to sink into. Had I not needed to sleep in order to function at work the next day, I would have read this through in one sitting, no problem. I can't say that Seed is a happy story. Don't go into it expecting that. I can say that it's an important one though, and that I am glad that I experienced it. show less

Lisa Heathfield has the ability to take me from feeling happy, smiling and full of hope to sobbing like my heart just can't take any more, all in just a few pages. The characters she creates are so real, their lives so tragic yet at the same time they see the beauty in all things. Her words remind me how important life and family is and to always have compassion and regard for others. Quite simply I'm in awe of how easily her words reach inside me and turn my emotions upside down.

Paper show more Butterflies is a tragic, beautiful and heart breaking read. I was doubtful when picking it up that it could come anywhere close to Lisa's previous book Seed, which is one of my favourite books, one that has stuck with me and that I recommend to almost everyone, since I read it back in November 2014. I wasn't disappointed and Paper Butterflies has joined Seed on my favourites shelf.

The book covers sensitive topics like Seed but at the same time is so different. The characters feel real and genuine and I got to know and love many of them and will miss them now I have finished the book. The story is told from the point of view of June, a young girl who experiences abuse at the hands of her step-mother. You can feel her hurt, her anger and feelings of hopelessness and you just want to reach inside the pages and make everything better.

I couldn't put the book down. I was up all night, my emotions all over the place, hankie at the ready and trying to sniff quietly in case I woke anyone. I experienced everything from joy, anger, tears, hope, every emotion you could possibly imagine and the world around me faded out of existence while the book was in my hands.

Highly recommend and another book that will stick with me long after I finished reading. show less