Black Butterflies: A Novel
SHORT-LISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION. A timeless story of strife and hope set during the conflict in the Balkans in the early '90s—a searing debut novel about a woman who faces the war on her doorstep with courage, fierceness, and an unshakable belief in the power of art.
“A reflective novel . . . that tells us life goes on, love stories develop, humanity remains in the most inhumane of times.” —Irish Independent
Sarajevo, spring 1992. Each night, nationalist gangs erect makeshift barricades, splitting the city into ethnic enclaves. Each morning, the people who live there—whether Muslim, Croat, or Serb—push the barriers aside.
When violence erupts and becomes, finally, unavoidable, Zora, an artist and teacher, sends her husband and elderly mother to safety in England. She stays behind, reluctant to believe that hostilities will last more than a few weeks. As the city falls under siege, everything she loves about her home is laid to waste, black ashes floating over the rooftops. Yet Zora and her friends find ways to rebuild themselves, over and over. Told with breathtaking immediacy, this is a story of disintegration, resilience, and hope—a stirring debut from a commanding new voice.
“A reflective novel . . . that tells us life goes on, love stories develop, humanity remains in the most inhumane of times.” —Irish Independent
Sarajevo, spring 1992. Each night, nationalist gangs erect makeshift barricades, splitting the city into ethnic enclaves. Each morning, the people who live there—whether Muslim, Croat, or Serb—push the barriers aside.
When violence erupts and becomes, finally, unavoidable, Zora, an artist and teacher, sends her husband and elderly mother to safety in England. She stays behind, reluctant to believe that hostilities will last more than a few weeks. As the city falls under siege, everything she loves about her home is laid to waste, black ashes floating over the rooftops. Yet Zora and her friends find ways to rebuild themselves, over and over. Told with breathtaking immediacy, this is a story of disintegration, resilience, and hope—a stirring debut from a commanding new voice.
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Community Reviews
Priscilla Morris' "Black Butterflies" is a haunting portrayal of love, loss, and resilience amidst the harrowing Siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s. Set against the backdrop of escalating ethnic tensions and barricades that divide a once-vibrant city, the novel follows Zora, an artist and teacher, as she grapples with the devastating realities of war.
As violence engulfs Sarajevo, Zora makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her loved ones – her husband and elderly mother to her daughter and safety in England, while she remains behind, clinging to hope that the conflict will soon pass. What unfolds is a poignant narrative of survival and rebuilding amidst the ruins, where each day brings new challenges and heartbreaks.
Morris' prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of a city under siege and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. Her depiction of the Siege of Sarajevo is visceral and unflinching, capturing the stark contrast between beauty and devastation, hope and despair.
Comparisons to Paul Lynch’s "Prophet Song," the 2023 Booker Prize winner, are inevitable but illuminating. While Lynch explores a fictional dystopian world, Morris anchors her narrative in the grim reality of history. "Black Butterflies" stands out for its raw authenticity and the profound emotional depth with which it explores the impact of war on ordinary lives.
Despite its omission from major literary awards, "Black Butterflies" is a standout novel. Morris' ability to find moments of joy and resilience amidst profound despair is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Each character, despite their economical portrayal, resonates with authenticity, offering readers a glimpse into their inner struggles and triumphs.
In conclusion, "Black Butterflies" is a masterpiece that grips the heart and mind long after the final page. Morris’ artistry, coupled with a compelling narrative that blends history and human drama, makes this a must-read for anyone who seeks profound storytelling. Highly recommended for its beauty, depth, and enduring message of hope in the face of adversity.
As violence engulfs Sarajevo, Zora makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her loved ones – her husband and elderly mother to her daughter and safety in England, while she remains behind, clinging to hope that the conflict will soon pass. What unfolds is a poignant narrative of survival and rebuilding amidst the ruins, where each day brings new challenges and heartbreaks.
Morris' prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of a city under siege and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. Her depiction of the Siege of Sarajevo is visceral and unflinching, capturing the stark contrast between beauty and devastation, hope and despair.
Comparisons to Paul Lynch’s "Prophet Song," the 2023 Booker Prize winner, are inevitable but illuminating. While Lynch explores a fictional dystopian world, Morris anchors her narrative in the grim reality of history. "Black Butterflies" stands out for its raw authenticity and the profound emotional depth with which it explores the impact of war on ordinary lives.
Despite its omission from major literary awards, "Black Butterflies" is a standout novel. Morris' ability to find moments of joy and resilience amidst profound despair is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Each character, despite their economical portrayal, resonates with authenticity, offering readers a glimpse into their inner struggles and triumphs.
In conclusion, "Black Butterflies" is a masterpiece that grips the heart and mind long after the final page. Morris’ artistry, coupled with a compelling narrative that blends history and human drama, makes this a must-read for anyone who seeks profound storytelling. Highly recommended for its beauty, depth, and enduring message of hope in the face of adversity.
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