Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

Paper Butterflies

by Lisa Heathfield

Stand By Me meets We Were Liars – a heartbreaking and stunning breakout novel for teenagers from the award-nominated author of Seed.

June's life at home with her stepmother and stepsister is a dark one – and a secret one. Not even her father knows about it. She's trapped like a butterfly in a jar.

But then she meets Blister, a boy in the woods. And in him, June recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away. But freedom comes at a price …

Paper Butterflies is an unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Lisa Williamson's The Art of Being Normal, Sarah Crossan's Moonrise, Jandy Nelson, Jennifer Niven and Louise O'Neill.

'It broke my heart over and over. Destined to be one of THE most important books this year.' – Melinda Salisbury, author of The Sin Eater's Daughter.

'A gripping and harrowing tale … best YA proof I've read this year.' – Charlotte Eyre, The Bookseller.

Lisa Heathfield launched her writing career with Seed, her stunning YA debut about a cult, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Prize. Before becoming a mum to her three sons, she was a secondary school English teacher and loved inspiring teenagers to read. Paper Butterflies is her beautiful and heart-breaking second novel. Lisa lives in Brighton.

Reviewed by shannonmiz on

5 of 5 stars

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You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

4.5*
This book made me cry so hard I almost threw up. This is not an exaggeration. It freaking gutted me. From start to finish. The story is not an easy read. I couldn't put it down because I was so anxious about the outcome, but it isn't the kind of book you'll ever want to read again. I mean that in the best way possible- it's because it will shatter your soul so much the first time around, you'd never need to.

There is a lot of abuse in this book, both emotional and physical, so if that is triggering to you, this may not be the book for you. But if you can handle it, this book has a ton to offer. Things like:

  • A gorgeous friendship

  • Some really important and heartbreaking messages that I can't talk about because spoilers

  • Fabulous writing

  • A main character who will grab your heart from the start


Overall, it was just gorgeous and it broke my heart.

*Copy provided for review

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 6 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 6 August, 2017: Reviewed