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My Name Is Butterfly
Abebe experiences plenty of joy in Ghana as the privileged daughter of a government employee and stay at home mother. The love that her parents and extended family lavish her with knows no bounds.
When the Tsikata’s idyllic life style begins to take a turn for the worse, Abebe's father places a nine-year-old Abebe in a shrine, hoping that the sacrifice of his daughter will serve as religious atonement for the crimes of his ancestors. Unspeakable acts befall Abebe for the fifteen years she is enslaved.
When Abebe is finally released back into the world and finds herself not only dealing with the newness of Ghana, but also the fast-paced world of New York, she is broken—emotionally, mentally, physically, sexually, and spiritually. But to live the rest of her years on earth, she must learn to overcome her past, endure familial secrets, and learn to love herself—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
In the tradition of Chris Cleave's Little Bee, My Name Is Butterfly is a contemporary story that offers an educational, eye opening account into the practice of ritual servitude in West Africa.
Spanning decades and two continents, My Name Is Butterfly will break and heal your heart ….
When the Tsikata’s idyllic life style begins to take a turn for the worse, Abebe's father places a nine-year-old Abebe in a shrine, hoping that the sacrifice of his daughter will serve as religious atonement for the crimes of his ancestors. Unspeakable acts befall Abebe for the fifteen years she is enslaved.
When Abebe is finally released back into the world and finds herself not only dealing with the newness of Ghana, but also the fast-paced world of New York, she is broken—emotionally, mentally, physically, sexually, and spiritually. But to live the rest of her years on earth, she must learn to overcome her past, endure familial secrets, and learn to love herself—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
In the tradition of Chris Cleave's Little Bee, My Name Is Butterfly is a contemporary story that offers an educational, eye opening account into the practice of ritual servitude in West Africa.
Spanning decades and two continents, My Name Is Butterfly will break and heal your heart ….
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2002
21 people are currently reading
978 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
21 books2,239 followersBERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels including Praise Song for the Butterflies (Long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction ) The Book of Harlan (winner of a 2017 American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction) Sugar, Loving Donovan, Nowhere Is a Place, The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012) and Glorious . She is a four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of four awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 28, 2012
I knew but I didn't want to know.
Bernice McFadden's book "My Name is Butterfly" is a wake-up call for me. Ritual servitude by young girls in Ghana, I had read about. I was even there, and didn't or wouldn't connect the dots.
McFadden's story is beautifully told, the image of nine-year-old Abebe taken away to a shrine will stay with me forever. It hurts my heart to think about it.
I visited Ghana in 2000 with Elderhostel, a continuing education program for older adults, that schooled us in the Akan language, Twi, and gave us lectures in the political, social, educational, and cultural systems. We started at the capital, Accra, and moved out into the villages of the central region of Ghana. We visited the town of Larteh, known for its shrine. At the shrine, people had brought goats and chickens to be sacrificed, while they petitioned the high priest to cure some ill, fix some problem. We brought an offering of 2 bottles of Schnaps, which he poured as a libation, for our good health and safe journey.
Much of the emphasis of the tour was on the story contrasts in Ghana, the poor and the prosperous, the modern and traditional. The day after we visited the shrine, we attended the Fetteh Methodist Church. The choir, dressed in black robes, wearing mortar boards on their heads, sang A Capella (4 part harmony) in Twi, a traditional Methodist service -- a John Wesley hymn, and the Te Deum Laudamus chanted in Twi. There could very well have been some of the same people at the shrine, sacrificing goats and chickens, and perhaps little girls.
My Name is Butterfly is a must read.
Bernice McFadden's book "My Name is Butterfly" is a wake-up call for me. Ritual servitude by young girls in Ghana, I had read about. I was even there, and didn't or wouldn't connect the dots.
McFadden's story is beautifully told, the image of nine-year-old Abebe taken away to a shrine will stay with me forever. It hurts my heart to think about it.
I visited Ghana in 2000 with Elderhostel, a continuing education program for older adults, that schooled us in the Akan language, Twi, and gave us lectures in the political, social, educational, and cultural systems. We started at the capital, Accra, and moved out into the villages of the central region of Ghana. We visited the town of Larteh, known for its shrine. At the shrine, people had brought goats and chickens to be sacrificed, while they petitioned the high priest to cure some ill, fix some problem. We brought an offering of 2 bottles of Schnaps, which he poured as a libation, for our good health and safe journey.
Much of the emphasis of the tour was on the story contrasts in Ghana, the poor and the prosperous, the modern and traditional. The day after we visited the shrine, we attended the Fetteh Methodist Church. The choir, dressed in black robes, wearing mortar boards on their heads, sang A Capella (4 part harmony) in Twi, a traditional Methodist service -- a John Wesley hymn, and the Te Deum Laudamus chanted in Twi. There could very well have been some of the same people at the shrine, sacrificing goats and chickens, and perhaps little girls.
My Name is Butterfly is a must read.
May 23, 2012
First, I can't believe a Bernice McFadden book can be had for a mere .99 cents. Simply unbelievable. The onslaught of e-reading has made this possible. Authors are being freed up and are becoming more prolific. They are frequently becoming unbound to the traditional publishing cycle. And we the readers benefit. This book at this price by this author, wow!
My Name is Butterfly is the story of Abebe. She is a child living and thriving in Ghana. Her well-to-do family are living the good life. When the father begins to experience a bit of bad luck, and the family history calls for some atonement, the father does the unthinkable and sacrifices his daughter to the Gods, i.e. Trokosi. Trokosi is a "religious" practice based on some strange beliefs and superstiions. If one wants to be favored by the Gods, a sacrifice of a female virgin to the "shrine" is necessary. Abebe is just nine years old when her father takes this desperate step to turn around his life fortunes. He drops her off at the shrine and Abebe becomes slave to the Gods.
Bernice makes us feel all the attendant horrors that come with being enslaved and exploited, definitely an emotion grabbing experience. I think the journey of Abebe may have been more deeply felt, if not for the prologue. In the prologue we hear the name Duma, and 1/3 of the way through the book the name Duma resurfaces. So the ending is a bit telegraphed because of this. However, Bernice is such a gifted writer, you still get tugged at the heart strings by the pacing and sharp sparse prose that makes this a one-sitting book as your curiosity takes over.
There are some twists and surprises as Abebe's story begins to unfold which keeps things interesting, despite the prologue. My Name is Butterfly will be a great book for discussion, especially surrounding religion and the destructive use of such. The journey of Abebe is an important one and the educational benefits will make you that much more aware of what can be done in the name of tradition and "religion." The bargain price here cannot be passed on. There will be no greater value.
My Name is Butterfly is the story of Abebe. She is a child living and thriving in Ghana. Her well-to-do family are living the good life. When the father begins to experience a bit of bad luck, and the family history calls for some atonement, the father does the unthinkable and sacrifices his daughter to the Gods, i.e. Trokosi. Trokosi is a "religious" practice based on some strange beliefs and superstiions. If one wants to be favored by the Gods, a sacrifice of a female virgin to the "shrine" is necessary. Abebe is just nine years old when her father takes this desperate step to turn around his life fortunes. He drops her off at the shrine and Abebe becomes slave to the Gods.
Bernice makes us feel all the attendant horrors that come with being enslaved and exploited, definitely an emotion grabbing experience. I think the journey of Abebe may have been more deeply felt, if not for the prologue. In the prologue we hear the name Duma, and 1/3 of the way through the book the name Duma resurfaces. So the ending is a bit telegraphed because of this. However, Bernice is such a gifted writer, you still get tugged at the heart strings by the pacing and sharp sparse prose that makes this a one-sitting book as your curiosity takes over.
There are some twists and surprises as Abebe's story begins to unfold which keeps things interesting, despite the prologue. My Name is Butterfly will be a great book for discussion, especially surrounding religion and the destructive use of such. The journey of Abebe is an important one and the educational benefits will make you that much more aware of what can be done in the name of tradition and "religion." The bargain price here cannot be passed on. There will be no greater value.
March 28, 2015
Heartbreaking, Poetic & Engaging! An Excellent Read! I Loved It!
October 3, 2012
I really liked this book, I had read 3 chapters last year when there was a chapter a month club but then I gave up because I did not have a Kindle at the time. I was finally happy to be able to upload this book, read the entire story and come to a very satisfying end. I never do spoilers so I don't really want to add much more to the story, it is easy to get into. The only problem with books that contain stories about these young girls is they can be very sad. I believe the government in some of the countries in Africa are trying to contain this problem. This is the second book I have read about the Troikos (sp?) the other being Wife of Gods by Kwei Quartey, also a 5 star book. I would suggest that you upload this book and read it as soon as you can, Bernice can write and this book is somewhat different from her other books. As difficult as the stories are, it is an interesting subject.
October 10, 2013
From the first paragraph down to the last one, I could not put this book down. It kept calling to me. I learned so much about the Trokoski practice in Africa. What Abebe goes through is hard to fathom, but trials and tribulations she went through.
Poor Abebe thought because she stole her Aunt Serwa's ring that this was the reason for why her father took the young 5-year-old to a village where she would spend all of her teenage years into her early adulthood.
She lived a lifetime in a span of twenty-three years. Bernice told this story in her true poetic fashion, which is why I enjoy reading her stories. They are so heartfelt and you learn so much. I felt what the characters felt, ate, slept and thought. I would love to see this into a movie. OUTSTANDING READ!!!!
Poor Abebe thought because she stole her Aunt Serwa's ring that this was the reason for why her father took the young 5-year-old to a village where she would spend all of her teenage years into her early adulthood.
She lived a lifetime in a span of twenty-three years. Bernice told this story in her true poetic fashion, which is why I enjoy reading her stories. They are so heartfelt and you learn so much. I felt what the characters felt, ate, slept and thought. I would love to see this into a movie. OUTSTANDING READ!!!!
May 5, 2012
I love Bernice McFadden! I picked up this novella when someone told me it was .99 on Amazon and it was very good! It's very short but there is a lot of emotion, history, and love packed into the pages. I started it late Friday night ...fell asleep reading it...and reached for it when I woke up. The story starts in NY and then brings you to Ghana and back to NY for a very satisfying end. Abena is truly a hero.
A must read.
A must read.
January 12, 2014
It's been a long time since I've read one of Bernice McFadden's book and I wasn't disappointed. If you love the writing of BMF, then you will love this book. It was very different read and I fully enjoyed it. Keep up the great work Bernice!
December 8, 2013
I read this in one sitting. Could not put it down until I was finished.
February 10, 2020
Heartbreaking but beautifully written
One of my black history books for this Month. McFadden is A Great Novelist. The story is perfectly told, informative, factual, entertaining and educational. I never heard of Trokosi now I know.
One of my black history books for this Month. McFadden is A Great Novelist. The story is perfectly told, informative, factual, entertaining and educational. I never heard of Trokosi now I know.
May 4, 2013
It really and truly was amazing. For one McFadden's writing is always a joy. Secondly, I learned something new. We like to believe that slavery doesn't exist and hasn't existed for years, but this narrative refuses to allow us to be willfully blinded. I want to say this narrative is so different for McFadden, but it's not. She's always written about the effects of slavery, segregation, discrimination and the effects on African Americans, so it seems fitting that she would write about slavery in Africa. In may ways it's a great way of showing that it has origins and they are long-lasting and present.
July 23, 2012
Somehow Bernice McFadden's name fell off my radar after "This Bitter Earth." Fortunately for me, I was reminded of her recently and decided to check out her latest. "My Name is Butterfly" is engaging and smartly written. McFadden manages to craft a beautiful (and hopeful) story out of the tragic reality of modern-day human trafficking in Ghana. She doesn't sugarcoat the issue but avoids the temptation to wrap everything up neatly at the end. There seems to be solid research undergirding her description of the practice of trokosi (on a few occasions, it was overly didactic).
July 21, 2015
There are authors who are good at writing, then there authors that are gifted at writing. I have no doubt that McFadden is the latter. She has a knack for educing emotions and possesses an exceptional style of writing; this is why she remains one of my favorite authors.
To think, parents could sacrifice their child, for the sake of good luck is just unimaginable. Before reading this book I was unaware of the practice of ritual servitude actually existed. This was definitely an emotional read and I thank McFadden for shining a light on a subject such as this.
To think, parents could sacrifice their child, for the sake of good luck is just unimaginable. Before reading this book I was unaware of the practice of ritual servitude actually existed. This was definitely an emotional read and I thank McFadden for shining a light on a subject such as this.
January 10, 2013
Well, Bernice did it again in this story about Abebe. Every book is so different from the others. In this, we had a "happy ending" but it left me wondering about Abebe's life and if she eventually would reach back to Ghana and help other girls who may still be in Trokosi or some form of it. Granted, this book is fiction but it's realness made me wonder about Abebe's future. Really, a phenomenal book.
June 8, 2012
Heartbreaking, exciting, hopeful story about the Trokosi practice in Ghana. It is a horrific life of ritual servitude, which was only recently outlawed in 1998, but apparently has not yet been completely eradicated. A MUST read. Bernice McFadden uses her talent to enlighten us about a heart wrenching issue. I am so glad I read it.
August 6, 2016
Bernice McFadden is one of the best authors of our time!
I felt every emotion of Abebe from all the pain to triumph! McFadden takes you on a trip in all of her novels this is no exception. In my mind I've experienced Ghana. The title My Name is Butterfly is so poignant. Abebe goes through an astronomical metamorphosis. This is must read!!
I felt every emotion of Abebe from all the pain to triumph! McFadden takes you on a trip in all of her novels this is no exception. In my mind I've experienced Ghana. The title My Name is Butterfly is so poignant. Abebe goes through an astronomical metamorphosis. This is must read!!
December 28, 2013
I liked this book and I learned of a practice that was unfamiliar to me. It takes place in Ghana, then eventually in New York City. McFadden tells the story of Abebe, who is loved and cherished by her family. One day, her father takes her to become Trokosi, an form of enslaved servitude to one of the gods. The story is told with compassion and truth.
April 3, 2013
An interesting but disturbing glimpse into the life af an African child forced into a life of slavery and abuse. I was horrified to learn that this terrible tradition continues today in Ghana. Very informative book.
October 18, 2013
The book is written rather simply, but it is an important fictional story about female slavery in Ghana as recently as 1998--what happens to the women and how one woman recovers. Not always easy to read.
December 16, 2015
Update:
After reading a few of my reviews on novellas, I realize that my issue may be that I don't like novellas. I'm always reading novellas and claiming that it is lacking pages lol. So maybe this review wasn't very fair.
I couldn't decide between 2 or three stars. The ending is what gave it the extra star. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. The problem wasn't the book itself. The problem is that I am a very big fan of Bernice McFadden. I know she is capable of turning this good story into a great story. I know that Bernice McFadden is a master storyteller and one of the most descriptive writers that I have read. So maybe had someone else written this same book I would have given it four stars? But because I know her capabilities I'm not giving her a pass.
I was not familiar with Trokosi. I had never even heard of it. So I was very interested in reading this when my book group Afrian-American Historical Fiction voted for this book for our group read. I wish that there was more in this book about the subject. But giving credit where it's due, McFadden has definitely peaked my interested about Trokosi and I will definitely be reading more on the subject.
I wish that this book was more descriptive and more character development and also a bit more informative. I feel this book lacked at least 100 pages. But the ending of the book was beautiful in my opinion and made up for the rest of the book being pretty dry for my taste.
After reading a few of my reviews on novellas, I realize that my issue may be that I don't like novellas. I'm always reading novellas and claiming that it is lacking pages lol. So maybe this review wasn't very fair.
I couldn't decide between 2 or three stars. The ending is what gave it the extra star. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. The problem wasn't the book itself. The problem is that I am a very big fan of Bernice McFadden. I know she is capable of turning this good story into a great story. I know that Bernice McFadden is a master storyteller and one of the most descriptive writers that I have read. So maybe had someone else written this same book I would have given it four stars? But because I know her capabilities I'm not giving her a pass.
I was not familiar with Trokosi. I had never even heard of it. So I was very interested in reading this when my book group Afrian-American Historical Fiction voted for this book for our group read. I wish that there was more in this book about the subject. But giving credit where it's due, McFadden has definitely peaked my interested about Trokosi and I will definitely be reading more on the subject.
I wish that this book was more descriptive and more character development and also a bit more informative. I feel this book lacked at least 100 pages. But the ending of the book was beautiful in my opinion and made up for the rest of the book being pretty dry for my taste.
June 6, 2012
Okay, this was a lot different than anything I've read by Bernice McFadden. I love this writer and have read just about everything by her. I'll start by saying that I definitely got an education with this book. The story is horrifying and too real, but worth the read. I would have liked to see some of the characters "fleshed out" a little more, but that's minor. I am stunned by these real-life practices and if this book was meant to shock the reader, it certainly accomplished that! I also hope that Ms. McFadden does a follow-up to this story, because the more people who read about this "modern" and horrible practice involving young females in Africa, the more enlightenment that leads (hopefully) to the end of this travesty against girls.
September 22, 2012
This was a great story. I found myself pressed between the reality of Abebe's situation and the hope that came from her survival. This story could have been longer, and the characters more devoloped. However, I don't know that I could have endured the pain each character would have had to tell. Perhaps, that would have made the story too long and way more painful.
I hope that everyone learns a new word: Trokosi - shrine slavery, or ritual servitude. I was sad to learn that this wasn't a made-up backdrop for this novel. There is still slavery in West Africa. Hopefully, with this knowledge -- comes hope for an end of slavery, and a future for women still trapped.
I hope that everyone learns a new word: Trokosi - shrine slavery, or ritual servitude. I was sad to learn that this wasn't a made-up backdrop for this novel. There is still slavery in West Africa. Hopefully, with this knowledge -- comes hope for an end of slavery, and a future for women still trapped.
March 6, 2015
Amazing...
This was an amazing story that I read in one day!!! My reading a book in one day is a rarity...it has to grab me in a powerful way. I have read several of McFadden's books, but it has been quite a few years since I last read anything by her. I vaguely recall them being reasonably good, but nothing that stood out. This book changes all that. What a truly well written story. I had to put it down several times because it evoked such deep feelings in me, but those same feelings brought me right back to it. Abebe was my hero...what strength and courage. I loved it and it's one of the best books I've read!
This was an amazing story that I read in one day!!! My reading a book in one day is a rarity...it has to grab me in a powerful way. I have read several of McFadden's books, but it has been quite a few years since I last read anything by her. I vaguely recall them being reasonably good, but nothing that stood out. This book changes all that. What a truly well written story. I had to put it down several times because it evoked such deep feelings in me, but those same feelings brought me right back to it. Abebe was my hero...what strength and courage. I loved it and it's one of the best books I've read!
July 7, 2012
Totally unbelievable but yet very real. While reading this book I found myself halting my reading of the story to look up the term "Trokosi" and was astonished to learn about these women living in slavery......sexual bondage to pay for their family misfortune. So sad.....its not too often that i'm emotionally enthralled in a character but wow! I really wish that the story would've went more indepth about Abebe "dad " that basically gave her away and his new life, but it didn't matter. excellect book!
November 9, 2014
I am still reading this book. It is very good, but I must tell all of you that it was very difficult to read certain parts of this book. It is about how many African nations still turn their back on this ritual of giving a daughter to a tribe of so called priests who will take your daughter as penance to rid your family of bad luck. The girls are then forced into slavery..to work in fields and then used for sex at a very young age. If they step out of line they are treating even worse...honestly it was almost too painful to read. I am almost done and will let you know but WOW...
September 2, 2012
First ebook i have read and of course it would be one from Bernice McFadden. Been a McFan forever and she did not disappoint. This tale was difficult to read at times, but i was riveted by the easy storytelling. I rooted for Abebe throughout praying the ending would be all roses. Although it summed up as life does... with much uncertainty, i was comforted by the final appearance of butterflies. If you want to know why, read it!!
November 13, 2014
This book was suggested to me by a good friend as a book for us to review and discuss. I would have given this 4-stars if it weren't for all the editing errors I spotted throughout the book.
The book really picks up around Chapter 9. It definitely takes some unexpected twists and turns.
I will update with a full review once I go through my discussion questions. :-) I really did enjoy this story.
The book really picks up around Chapter 9. It definitely takes some unexpected twists and turns.
I will update with a full review once I go through my discussion questions. :-) I really did enjoy this story.
May 23, 2013
I felt chills reading My Name Is Butterfly. I smiled, and cried, lost and gained my heart all in the span of just over 100 pages.
April 4, 2013
Gripping and well told - a very easy summer read. Wholly unexpected ending, the characters were relatable and the themes have the ability to challenge one's patterns. Decent book.
July 5, 2012
The subject matter being discussed in this book is very important. However, the writing was not what I have come to expect (and love!) from Bernice McFadden. Definitely not one of my favorites.
September 3, 2012
Horrible and fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews