Galante, Cecilia, The Patron
Saint of Butterflies. Full Cast Audio, 2011. AUDIOBOOK. Language: PG (1
swear, no “f”s), Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG
Agnes and Honey have grown up
together in a religious commune called Mount Blessing, but they haven’t always
seen eye to eye. Agnes is trying hard to become a saint and lives by the book
the commune’s leader, Emmanuel, gave her. Honey, abandoned by her mother and
forced to be a servant at the commune, is constantly getting herself and Agnes
sent to the Regulation Room, a place where Emmanuel beats them with a belt as
part of their punishment. Unlike Agnes, Honey longs to be free of Emmanuel and
the commune. When Grandma Pete comes to visit, Honey sees her chance. As things
heat up, the situation only gets worse when Benny, Agnes’ little brother’s hand
gets smashed badly and needs surgery. Taking Honey, Benny, and Agnes with her,
Grandma Pete heads toward Texas in an attempt to free the kids of the child
abuse they suffered. Agnes is very resistant to leaving Mount Blessing. As
their journey unfolds, Honey discovers some dark secrets about what really
happened to her mother and things that go on at Mount Blessing. Can Honey
convince Agnes that she’s better off without Mount Blessing? With Grandma Pete’s
help, will Honey be finally free? Will she ever find her mother?
Although it moves at a moderate
pace, the story is touching and moving. The characters are likable and seem
realistic given their situation. The plot is fairly well-developed and pulls
the readers in by making them feel for the characters and their relationships. The
full cast on the audio do a fantastic job and add unique perspective to the
characters. The different narrative styles fit together well and do not
overwhelm each other. Readers who like realistic fiction, friendship stories,
and stories of family will enjoy listening to this book.MS, HS. ADVISABLE Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment