Color Me Butterfly: A Novel Inspired by One Family's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

'Color Me Butterfly" is an uncomplicated, simply written, honest telling of four generations of women who have suffered physical, emotional, as well as sexual abuse. It's pretty much a story known to us all, and it crosses all races and ethnicities. Regardless of women's strength and ability to survive in this world, it seems that we all go through these trials and tribulations in one form or another --- some worse than others, especially when promulgated through years and years of abuse.My own life experiences were interwoven throughout the pages of this book, as well as those my mother and my sisters. I still suffer the scars of having a father commit suicide as well.No matter the time that has passed nor the healing nor the years, these experiences touch us for life. One can never be completely healed. The wounds are so deeply inflicted that they become a part of the soul.I purchased this book back in October, and it had been sitting on a shelf just waiting to be read. Having suffered from the recent storm in Virginia and being without power for five days, I took the opportunity to read this book. I was finished in two days.I shed tears. I smiled. I laughed and I cried.I can relate to every word and every experience.I will say, however, that the family bond between these generations of women gave them a strength that I have never known. I have never known any family outside of my mother (now deceased) and two sisters (with whom I have little to no contact). I left home at the age of 18 and literally never looked back. For me, there was never a family bond. There was never any love to ease me through the pain. I had to survive the pain, coming out on the other side a survivor, but all alone.I am happy that this family held close to one another, and that there were strong role models to look up to. I have never known that.If you want a book that is relatable on a very personal level, this book will truly touch your heart.

I loved this book so much in highschool that I’mGoing to re read it as an adult

A clearly written and fascinating look into a world too familiar to too many people. This story recounts the experience of four generations of a family scarred by domestic violence who show the world what resilience and strength look like. Despite the graphic nature of the writing, and the stunningly sad events it describes, the voice of this story is gentle, forgiving and very even. At a point or two in the book I found myself siding with the victims who felt that forgiveness wasn't necessary for them to heal from their ordeal, and doubting the sincerity of those who did. This in no way detracted from the importance of this story, but made me place myself even more firmly into the shoes of the characters. Those would be incredibly difficult shoes to fill, regardless your take on the forgiveness piece. You will come away from this book, with or without personal experience with domestic violence, inspired, saddened, angry and changed.

Lydia tells her story in a voice that is resonant with courage. She uses the experiences of four generations of women, from her grandmother through her daughter, to chronicle a history of domestic abuse that in some cases defines belief. It would be almost too much to bear as fiction; as memoir, it is devastating. What makes these remarkable women so strong and gives them the wherewithal to survive is their unbreakable spirit and love for one another and their families. The fact that at least two of them were able to find love and security after experiencing inhuman abuse is remarkable. Although presented as a novel, this is a family memoir with beautiful pictures. The author can be forgiven for creating portraits of women that are uniformly saintly with no negative details as they are her beloved relatives who have never shown her anything but love and support. Included are several of her beautiful poems, personal and gracious.

Personal read

This story is amazing... it is heart breaking, it is liberating, it is a breathe of fresh air. It is a keeper for sure. I would hope that every family that has struggled like these families have would share their story to prevent this from happening again. After reading this story I have repeated it to any and everyone who would care to listen. Maybe if folks had listened then we wouldn't have so much domestic abuse now. I also have a better understanding of how families get caught up in the system and never get out. Abuse in any form is not acceptable and it doesn't just affect the abused person it affects the entire family. I applaud YL Marlow for sharing her family secrets and for not making them secrets anymore. Once they were exposed you can correct them immediately. Thank you once again for sharing something to personal. My book club really enjoyed this read and a lot of emotions came out during our discussion.

I enjoyed the issues the family went through. It seems like it was really real. In fact I think it was real because the author showed us the pictures of the family she was talking about . I know some women who let the men in their lives beat on them and their children. Some who let the men beat them but not their children. Women who think getting abused by men is showing love. The author showed the issues of mental illness ,attempt suicide and suicide. Also, issues of a blended family. Lots of people have some or all of these issues in their families.

Knowing that all of the abuse detailed in this book undoubtedly is not isolated, makes this a study guide of sorts. The more I read, the better I understood how tolerance for abuse leads to it becoming a cancer. I recommend this book despite it being terribly sad. One reviewer complained about the ugly, vile language, which generally is a huge deterrent for me as well. In this case, the language is important to the context and is not used carelessly. The author takes care to never become salacious or vulgar. The book receives four stars from me because five stars should reserved for only the greatest works of literature.