Reviews of 'Butterflies'
Katherine is just like any other eighteen year old - she has dreams and she hasinsecurities. Still, she is keenly aware that she doesn't look like other eighteen year olds. An accident at the age of three has left her with severe burn scars.
At times Katherine believes that no one else can possibly understand her problems, but as she deals with them and grows, she learns to communicate - with those around her and with herself. She faces her troubles with dignity and with humour, refusing to give in to self pity.
'Butterflies' is a superb young adult novel. Author Susanne Gervay has a wonderful talent for creating stories which explore serious issues with a perfect blend of humour and empathy, of detail and entertainment. Her books don't hold back from the truth, but are positive and uplifting.
'Butterflies' is an inspirational novel by an inspirational author.
Aussie Reviews
Challenges are faced by each of us, every day of our life. Those challenges, the building of individual characters, though which are provided to some are greater than others.
Butterflies is a story about individuals dealing with life, growing and developing as a family and as friends. And, in particular it is about the emotions and consequences faced by one individual who has been given the opportunity to gain strength and build character around her life.
Life is often not easy, can often by perceived as cruel and can be questioned. However, Butterflies shows that life is also full of many wonderful people and that those most important to each of us are our family and friends who are there with us through all our challenges.
Louise Sauvage OAM
World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability 2000
1999 Australian Female Athlete of the Year.
It's hard enough being a 'normal' teenage girl. Seventeen-year-old Katherine has the added problem of being badly scarred from burns she suffered as a small child. She tries to cover the side of her face and neck with a long hairstyle, and endures endless rounds of surgery in the hope of one day being smooth and beautiful. Amidst the pain and shame she navigates the normal rites of youth - boys, schoolwork, friendship and conflict with parents.
Susanne Gervay depicts her character's insecurities and fears with warmth and sensitivity, allowing the reader to sense the real strength and vulnerability of the burns victim. Flashbacks, identified by italics, give us glimpses into the long journey Katherine and her close-knit working-class family have made.
A book that will inspire courage and empathy.
Bella's Books
Compelling?
Moving?
Inspirational?
You are not even close to the power that this book holds .... Katherine's story is one that reels you in, and won't let you go, until the very last word.
Susanne Gervay has crafted this book beautifully, and its gift of strength and hope will stay with the reader, long after the book is put down.
REACT ACT Department of Education
In this challenging but inspiring book we meet Katherine, a 17 year-old who suffered horrific burns at the age of three. The whole story resonates with her courage and determination, and the warmth and love she receives from her mother, sister and friends. 'Butterflies' is a great reminder that all people are individuals, and deserve the same attention and opportunities. Although the central character is nearly 18, the book is suitable for those aged 14 and over and for adults too.
Melbourne's Child
Traumatic experiences, such as those of a burn survivor, can be difficult for others to understand. That's where novels such as 'Butterflies' are so valuable. Susanne Gervay's novel is a particularly compelling story of a young girl, her loves, friendships, and family relationships We experience that unforgettable 'coming of age' time with Katherine but equally we see through her eyes as a three-year-old and the defining moment in her life - that experience of burning.
The story is cleverly told through flashbacks and current day scenes with natural dialogue and episodes from school and home. These ensure young readers' avid attention. Through these we can understand Katherine's gritty courage and stoic determination forged through many painful hospital surgeries. These same qualities drive Katherine to excel in school and in sport and we cheer with her as she succeeds. The author's smooth storytelling style adds to that feeling that we are part of this young woman's life.
Katherine's burn experiences are sufficiently detailed to enable readers to fulfil their curiosity and fears about what it means to be a burn survivor. No longer are we outside this traumatic experience. We can now empathize. Characters that we come to care about very much doubly enrich the whole experience.
Professor Belle Alderman, University of Canberra
This story speaks of great pain, trauma and broken relationships and how love and courage triumph over all. Katherine, at 18, is in her final year of high school. At 3 years old she was severely burnt. Only the fierce and loyal love of her mother and her sister, Rachel, and Katherine's own refusal to live her life as a victim, help her face the future with the hope and courage that she does. The issues of adolescent relationships, dreams and aspirations, anxieties and fears are dealt with well. There are flashbacks to the past traumatic events, which are very vivid and add great depth.
Susanne Gervay has written with sensitivity and wonderful humour. The relationship between Katherine and her mother and sister is particularly warm and real. A compelling story. Recommended for older readers.
Reading Time
Every survivor has a story. Often the story is of interest, and even more often instructive. 'Butterflies' is the story of a burn survivor, and is both interesting and instructive. It explores the complex areas of the emotional impact of a burn on the individual and family while giving insight into the world of hospitals, patients and doctors. It traces the development of the personality from insecurity and relative isolation to a healthier level of self esteem that enables the individual to form balanced relationships with family and friends. It shows how the inner person can triumph over a preoccupation with surface scars and know that basic values of commitment, caring and trust are more important than the texture of the skin.
'Butterflies' has relevance outside the narrow circle of burn survivors and their families. It shows the ebb and flow of emotions that affect us all, particularly in the transition between childhood and adulthood, and how parenting and family life make these bearable.
Those of us who are involved in the world of burns know how survivors need help from time to time, but slowly develop a depth of character and an inner strength which is rarely seen in others. Like tempering steel, the process of passing through the fire helps make a person of exceptional quality. 'Butterflies' captures these subtleties for the reader, and gives a stunning insight into a difficult topic.
Dr Hugh Martin
President of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association and
Head of the Burn Unit, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney.