I read this book years ago on Wattpad when I was probably 14/15 years old and now I’m 19. Ever since then it has been in my mind and I have been searching for it literally everywhere but I couldn’t find it until yesterday when I found one of the author’s other books “See me” again. This story stuck with me and it will always be one of my favorite books even if it doesn’t have a paperback version.
The characters are so well written and the way Sterling treats Dhalia while helping her heal is just amazing. He understands her in every way possible and he can always read her. He is able to read her so well because he grew up with an autistic brother that doesn’t speak so he naturally picks up on body language better than others. I loved that the author really gave us an explanation here as to why he is able to read her that well.
I also loved the whole metaphor of the butterfly and the moth throughout the book .. it just gives the title such a strong meaning. I feel like this book (as well as her other book “See me”) deals with the heavy topic of SA in such a realistic way. The ending of the book doesn’t feel like an ending but more like a beginning, and of course there is a lot more that Dhalia and also Daisy, Colt and Sterling have to work out but I feel like the ending is a perfect start for a new story of them.
There is also a playlist on Spotify dedicated to the book which I would totally recommend. If I had to describe the book with a song, I would choose “cry” by cigarettes after sex, which I was listening to on repeat while reading.
This book and its characters will always be an all time favorite for me and has a special place in my heart.
The Butterfly & The Moth by Terra Alvarez is a beautifully written novel that masterfully conveys the contrasting lives of Dahlia and Daisy without falling into stereotypical portrayals. The author’s depiction of trauma and PTSD is both striking and heartbreaking, capturing the complexities of these experiences with sensitivity and depth.
What truly sets this book apart is its unpredictability. I genuinely couldn't foresee what would happen next, which kept me engaged and invested in the story. The characters are beautifully flawed, each perfect in their own unique way, making them feel incredibly real and relatable.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the methodical use of its title throughout the story. It made me continually question which characters are butterflies, which are moths, and what that symbolism says about their life experiences and choices. This added a layer of depth to the narrative that I found both thought-provoking and enriching.
I also appreciated that there was no sense of misrepresentation in Alvarez’s writing. Every detail felt authentic and respectful, contributing to the book's overall impact.
Ultimately, I believe The Butterfly & The Moth is a story about growth and self-discovery. It challenges readers to reflect on who they are, whether they see themselves as butterflies or moths, or perhaps a bit of both, and how they choose to live their lives as such. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
Well… I had my review written in my head about halfway through this book. I just finished See Me and was so blown away that I thought I’d check out what else this author had done. This is a carbon copy of See Me. Same plot, different setting. And the metaphors, my word were they shoved down my throat. I think at one point there was three different ones used to make a point within the space of a page. I am truly sick to death of butterflies and moths and how overused they were. I read this on my phone and I kept thinking I had accidentally scrolled backwards instead of forwards, but nope, the conversations and thoughts were just that repetitive. I skimmed the last 50%, I just wanted it over. And then I got to the ending. Hence the “well…” Well… I don’t want to give spoilers, but it was unexpected, kind of beautiful? And absolutely infuriating. No resolution.
I can't remember the exact dates I read this book. I know though that this book has been one that I've thought about every single day since I finished it. It was a beautifully written story about PTSD and the struggles that come along with it. With Dhalia's issues that people COULD see and with her issues people couldn't see. This book had me almost sobbing on a number of occasions and my heart broke for Dahlia. I didn't go into the book with any expectations, as I normally don't with Wattpad stories, but I finished with this book being in my top ten reads, ever. It will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope one day it is able to be released by paperback because I will definitely buy a copy