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Bella Butterfly
The beautiful butterfly of fate touches the lives of Chiara, an adventurous free spirit, and Ava, young and full of hopes and dreams. They are strangers when they meet on board a ship bound for Australia, yet they feel a spiritual connection. What is the bond that Chiara and Ava are destined to share in the future?
In ‘Bella Butterfly,’ author Marie Van-Doorn lays bare the lives of two passionate Italian women who migrate to Australia with their respective families in 1956. We follow Chiara and Ava and the men who love them through happy times, hard times and desperately sad times. Their stories are told against the backdrop of the harsh realities of Australian society encountered by migrants at that time.
Chiara has the soul of a gypsy and is wise beyond her years. She is plunged into a turbulent coming-of-age. Ava, naïve and delicate, has a strength in ways that are gentle, loving and loyal. All she desires is a home and children with Nico, the love of her life.
In the novel, we meet some fascinating characters, watch friendships and camaraderie grow and follow the butterfly as it lights the path forward through the darkest times of their lives.
In ‘Bella Butterfly,’ author Marie Van-Doorn lays bare the lives of two passionate Italian women who migrate to Australia with their respective families in 1956. We follow Chiara and Ava and the men who love them through happy times, hard times and desperately sad times. Their stories are told against the backdrop of the harsh realities of Australian society encountered by migrants at that time.
Chiara has the soul of a gypsy and is wise beyond her years. She is plunged into a turbulent coming-of-age. Ava, naïve and delicate, has a strength in ways that are gentle, loving and loyal. All she desires is a home and children with Nico, the love of her life.
In the novel, we meet some fascinating characters, watch friendships and camaraderie grow and follow the butterfly as it lights the path forward through the darkest times of their lives.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 20, 2025
This book tells the story of two women, Chiara and Ava, who leave Italy to live in Australia. They meet on a ship and feel a strong connection even though they’re very different. As they grow up and face hard times, the butterfly keeps showing up to remind them of hope. It’s a story about love, family, and finding your way in a new place. Overall I liked it, but it was super slow in th emiddle - at least for me...
October 11, 2025
Bella Butterfly by Marie Van-Doorn is a beautifully written story based on the author's origins. The tale reads like a novel and weaves together the stories of Chiara, a free-spirited gypsy, and Ava and Nico, a couple who desperately want children, as the characters emigrate from Italy to Australia. The story touches on themes of prejudice, attitudes toward money, romantic love, and the love of parents for their children as the author takes us to places such as homes for unwed mothers and Australian boarding houses in the 1950s. Van-Doom's writing is emotionally charged and gripping as we watch her characters persevere through difficulties and rejoice during good times, as she helps us see that kids who are adopted are fortunate. Whatever the circumstances that led to their placement for adoption, someone chose to love them.
July 21, 2025
This beautifully written novel tells the true story of how the author, as she describes it, “came to be.”
The story begins with the experiences of Italian immigrants moving to Australia, focusing on the emotional toll it took on those forced to leave their beloved homes and face the harsh realities of immigrant life. Some of these experiences are difficult to read.
The writer’s prose is stunning. Her descriptive writing is some of the best I’ve read. She vividly brings the beauty and wildness of Australia to life. I had to Google what a wait-a-while plant is. From living on a cramped migrant carrier taking them to the unknown, to boarding houses, or horrific homes where they locked up young pregnant women, or living in small brick and fibro box homes, the book was an unexpected emotional journey. However, even with the struggles and harshness, the beauty of the Australian people helping one another shines through.
Bella Butterfly was a book about love, loss, strength, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The lives of the characters are woven in a magical way. From the opening, well-written sentence, I knew this story was going to be a feast for the senses. I read the book in one sitting, late into the night. The story haunted me afterward because I felt like I’d been with these characters, whom I came to care about.
If you're looking for a book that moves your heart and attacks the senses, you'll treasure this one. Five Stars!
The story begins with the experiences of Italian immigrants moving to Australia, focusing on the emotional toll it took on those forced to leave their beloved homes and face the harsh realities of immigrant life. Some of these experiences are difficult to read.
The writer’s prose is stunning. Her descriptive writing is some of the best I’ve read. She vividly brings the beauty and wildness of Australia to life. I had to Google what a wait-a-while plant is. From living on a cramped migrant carrier taking them to the unknown, to boarding houses, or horrific homes where they locked up young pregnant women, or living in small brick and fibro box homes, the book was an unexpected emotional journey. However, even with the struggles and harshness, the beauty of the Australian people helping one another shines through.
Bella Butterfly was a book about love, loss, strength, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The lives of the characters are woven in a magical way. From the opening, well-written sentence, I knew this story was going to be a feast for the senses. I read the book in one sitting, late into the night. The story haunted me afterward because I felt like I’d been with these characters, whom I came to care about.
If you're looking for a book that moves your heart and attacks the senses, you'll treasure this one. Five Stars!
July 11, 2025
A poignant and beautifully told story about two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, whose lives unexpectedly converge aboard a ship to Australia in 1956. From the very first pages, I was captivated — the lyrical prose, emotional richness, and layered characters made this an incredibly rewarding read.
What struck me most was the honest and heartfelt depiction of the immigrant experience: the longing, the loss, and the quiet strength required to start over in a foreign land. I’ve noticed a growing number of books delving into the experience of migration to Australia, and I think it’s so important that this chapter of history is being explored more deeply.
Chiara’s fierce determination and Ava’s quiet resilience stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Bella Butterfly is a story filled with sorrow, love, and unexpected grace — a bittersweet tale that lingers in the heart.
What struck me most was the honest and heartfelt depiction of the immigrant experience: the longing, the loss, and the quiet strength required to start over in a foreign land. I’ve noticed a growing number of books delving into the experience of migration to Australia, and I think it’s so important that this chapter of history is being explored more deeply.
Chiara’s fierce determination and Ava’s quiet resilience stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Bella Butterfly is a story filled with sorrow, love, and unexpected grace — a bittersweet tale that lingers in the heart.
July 23, 2025
I have a soft spot for emotionally rich, character-driven stories and this novel definitely delivered on all of that. I enjoyed the quiet depth of the main characters and their differences. There’s something so beautiful about how they meet as strangers on a ship headed for a new life, and how their connection feels almost destined, like two lives brushing against each other on purpose. I've been fascinated by stories of migration and resilience and I appreciated how their experiences captured not just the external challenges of starting over in a new land, but also the emotional weight that comes with it. I will remember the emotional core of this book.
September 24, 2025
Bella Butterfly is a tender, emotionally rich story that swept me up from the opening scene on the ship to Australia. Chiara and Ava feel wonderfully alive, their friendship unfolding with quiet power against the very real challenges migrants faced in 1956. The writing paints Australia with vivid color and texture, and the butterfly motif threads through the story with grace and meaning. I loved the balance of hardship and hope, sorrow and joy, and the way family, love, and fate intersect across years. It felt intimate, authentic, and deeply human. A moving, memorable read that lingers after the final page.
June 1, 2025
This novel grips you with vivid, lyrical language and well-drawn characters. The story opens aboard a boat bound for Australia, setting the stage for a deeply emotional journey, both physical and personal. The journey is an escape from painful family memories and the weight of the past, toward an uncertain but hopeful new horizon.
The relationships between the characters are skillfully explored, with real depth. Dialogues are interesting, authentic, and full of nuance. Bella Butterfly is a richly written, moving novel that lingers in the mind.
The relationships between the characters are skillfully explored, with real depth. Dialogues are interesting, authentic, and full of nuance. Bella Butterfly is a richly written, moving novel that lingers in the mind.
August 4, 2025
Some books don’t shout for your attention, they simply reach out and hold it, quietly and steadily. "Bella Butterfly" did just that. Set in 1956, it follows two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, who leave everything they know behind to journey to Australia, each with her own dreams, heartbreaks, and hopes packed into her suitcase.
What struck me most was the almost ethereal connection between the two women. They meet as strangers on the ship, but there’s something quietly magical about how their lives begin to intertwine. It’s not overstated, Van-Doorn is far too subtle for that, but you feel it, like fate brushing past your shoulder.
Chiara is spirited and searching, a bit wild around the edges, while Ava is soft and anchored in her longing for family and love. Their contrasting personalities balance beautifully, and I loved how their friendship blossomed slowly, realistically, across new landscapes and old wounds.
Van-Doorn paints post-war migrant life in Australia with great care and empathy. There’s a gentle lyricism to her prose, and moments of raw honesty too. The immigrant experience isn’t romanticised, it’s tough, unfair at times, but always grounded in hope. The butterfly motif throughout adds a touch of poetry, suggesting change, fragility, and something just beyond reach.
The novel is inspired by true stories, and you can feel the lived-in truth of it. While it’s not action-packed, the emotional beats land well. If I had any quibble, it’s that I wanted just a bit more time with Ava and Nico, as some of their story felt slightly rushed near the end. But that’s a small gripe in a book that otherwise left me misty-eyed and thoughtful.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction with heart, especially if you love stories about migration, identity, and strong female friendships. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Marie Van-Doorn.
What struck me most was the almost ethereal connection between the two women. They meet as strangers on the ship, but there’s something quietly magical about how their lives begin to intertwine. It’s not overstated, Van-Doorn is far too subtle for that, but you feel it, like fate brushing past your shoulder.
Chiara is spirited and searching, a bit wild around the edges, while Ava is soft and anchored in her longing for family and love. Their contrasting personalities balance beautifully, and I loved how their friendship blossomed slowly, realistically, across new landscapes and old wounds.
Van-Doorn paints post-war migrant life in Australia with great care and empathy. There’s a gentle lyricism to her prose, and moments of raw honesty too. The immigrant experience isn’t romanticised, it’s tough, unfair at times, but always grounded in hope. The butterfly motif throughout adds a touch of poetry, suggesting change, fragility, and something just beyond reach.
The novel is inspired by true stories, and you can feel the lived-in truth of it. While it’s not action-packed, the emotional beats land well. If I had any quibble, it’s that I wanted just a bit more time with Ava and Nico, as some of their story felt slightly rushed near the end. But that’s a small gripe in a book that otherwise left me misty-eyed and thoughtful.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction with heart, especially if you love stories about migration, identity, and strong female friendships. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Marie Van-Doorn.
September 10, 2025
Bella Butterfly is a deeply emotional story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I felt real empathy for the characters, who were vividly introduced with rich backgrounds, thoughts, and feelings. Marie Van-Dorn writes with skill, bringing them to life in a way that makes their struggles, hardships, and motivations both relatable and moving.
Discovering at the end that the book was based on her own life story made the experience even more powerful.
There were a few minor editing issues—mainly occasional shifts between past and present tense—but they did not detract from the overall impact and were not enough to lower my five-star rating.
I highly recommend Bella Butterfly. It offers an immersive and realistic portrayal of immigrant life in mid-twentieth-century Australia, capturing both the challenges and the resilience of those who lived it.
Discovering at the end that the book was based on her own life story made the experience even more powerful.
There were a few minor editing issues—mainly occasional shifts between past and present tense—but they did not detract from the overall impact and were not enough to lower my five-star rating.
I highly recommend Bella Butterfly. It offers an immersive and realistic portrayal of immigrant life in mid-twentieth-century Australia, capturing both the challenges and the resilience of those who lived it.
November 6, 2025
Bella Butterfly is a beautifully written story about two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, who meet on a ship bound for Australia in 1956. Though their dreams differ, both carry the quiet ache of leaving home and the hope of finding a new beginning. What follows is a moving portrait of friendship, resilience, and the search for identity in a foreign land.
The author’s writing is gentle yet powerful—each scene painted with emotion and authenticity. I could almost see the sunlight on the deck, feel the uncertainty of migration, and sense the strength that grows between these two women.
What I loved most is how the story captures the dual feeling of joy and sorrow that comes with transformation. It’s not just about crossing oceans—it’s about rediscovering oneself through courage, love, and shared humanity. A story that lingers long after the final page.
The author’s writing is gentle yet powerful—each scene painted with emotion and authenticity. I could almost see the sunlight on the deck, feel the uncertainty of migration, and sense the strength that grows between these two women.
What I loved most is how the story captures the dual feeling of joy and sorrow that comes with transformation. It’s not just about crossing oceans—it’s about rediscovering oneself through courage, love, and shared humanity. A story that lingers long after the final page.
January 24, 2026
Bella Butterfly tells a touching story about friendship, fate, and the quiet strength needed to start over. Set during the Italian migration to Australia in the 1950s, the novel follows Chiara and Ava as their lives cross and change in unexpected ways. What I noticed most was how honest the storytelling felt. The struggles of leaving home, dealing with social pressures, and holding onto hope for a new life are all shown with real care and sensitivity. The writing is personal and thoughtful, pulling you into both the joys and struggles of these women’s lives. Chiara’s restless nature stands out next to Ava’s softer wish for love and family, and seeing how they affect each other is quietly moving. This isn’t a quick or dramatic story, but one that feels genuine and stays with you. It’s about resilience, the connections we make, and how even small moments can shape the future.
September 17, 2025
'Bella Butterfly' is a character-driven narrative that follows two families leaving Italy for different reasons, ultimately heading to new lives in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. The settings felt authentic, especially since I live in Australia and have visited the locations mentioned in the novel. The individual stories of the main characters, Chiara and Ava, were insightful and engaging. I found the exploration of their struggles and coming-of-age experiences in an unfamiliar land engaging. 'Bella Butterfly' is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates novels that are rich in character development, stories that explore the depths of internal thoughts and emotions, and books that delve into the historical struggles of migration and identity. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
November 11, 2025
Bella Butterfly is an unforgettable story that sweeps you into the world of two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, whose lives intertwine on their journey to Australia in the 1950s. Their courage, heartbreak, and unwavering friendship are portrayed with such tenderness that I felt every triumph and every loss alongside them.
Marie Van-Doorn’s writing is both vivid and poetic — she brings the era, the landscapes, and the emotions to life in a way that feels real and immersive. The story beautifully captures what it means to start over, to search for belonging, and to find hope in unexpected places.
This book is a testament to the strength of women and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page.
Marie Van-Doorn’s writing is both vivid and poetic — she brings the era, the landscapes, and the emotions to life in a way that feels real and immersive. The story beautifully captures what it means to start over, to search for belonging, and to find hope in unexpected places.
This book is a testament to the strength of women and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page.
December 16, 2025
Bella Butterfly by Marie van Doorn is a touching and beautifully written story about friendship, love, and finding your place in the world. Set against the backdrop of migration to Australia in the 1950s, the novel follows Chiara and Ava, two very different women whose lives become deeply connected. Their journey is filled with hope, hardship, and quiet strength.
The writing is gentle and emotional, making it easy to picture the places and feel what the characters are going through. I especially loved how the story highlights the resilience of women and the power of friendship during difficult times. This book is not just about leaving home, but about discovering who you truly are. A heartfelt and memorable read.
The writing is gentle and emotional, making it easy to picture the places and feel what the characters are going through. I especially loved how the story highlights the resilience of women and the power of friendship during difficult times. This book is not just about leaving home, but about discovering who you truly are. A heartfelt and memorable read.
January 3, 2026
Bella Butterfly is a true story of two families journeys from Italy to Australia. Chaira, a young girl full of adventure, meets Ava, a scared young women full of hopes and dreams of motherhood, while traveling on a boat to their destination. I could not stop reading! The story is full of love and heartbreaking events balancing out perfectly. There are deep lessons within the writing. I absolutely loved the way adoption was portrayed as an act of love by both the birth mother and the adopting parents. It hit me hard when Ava and Nico were explaining it to little Bella. The realization of how awful immigrants were treated was also very shocking to me. Thank you for sharing this honest and personal story with me. I highly recommend this book!
July 29, 2025
The story captures the trials and tribulations faced by so many during that era, moments of hardship, resilience, and identity, while beautifully contrasting them with the quiet wisdom that only comes with time.
Beautiful to see how the narrative comes full circle as the protagonist reflects on her past through an adult lens, we see not just the pain, but understanding and healing. There’s a quiet beauty in how maturity reshapes memory, how wounds soften, and meaning deepens.
An evocative and moving read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for anyone who enjoys stories of migration, transformation, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Beautiful to see how the narrative comes full circle as the protagonist reflects on her past through an adult lens, we see not just the pain, but understanding and healing. There’s a quiet beauty in how maturity reshapes memory, how wounds soften, and meaning deepens.
An evocative and moving read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for anyone who enjoys stories of migration, transformation, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
August 17, 2025
I know very little about the early settlers of Australia, if anything at all. This book was lovely in that sense, bringing to life the story of two ladies, one a child and the other little more than one but dreaming of a child of her own. I did find myself confused a few times over, and while other reviews praise the lyricism of the book, I couldn't quite see that, but the writing is not bad at all, the story is interesting (though I really do not like Chiara's parents), and the relationships are pretty realistic. Someone did mention the story comes from the author's family story, so I find that as curious as the Italian backgrounds and life of the time.
October 18, 2025
The story follows Italian immigrants bound for Australia, tracing the emotional hardship of being torn from their homeland and cast into the harsh realities of an unknown world. Some of these experiences are painful to read, others deeply moving, and a few perhaps too idealized.
The prose is philosophical and lyrical, steeped in the melancholy of remembered things. The narrative – a fresco of the world seen through the author’s own lens – at times transcends its characters, who seem to exist mainly because no story can unfold without human anchors. Yet everything is told with raw honesty and emotion, as if the author were inhabiting all the roles at once.
The ending lingers in ambiguity, with the threads linking Chiara, Ava (the twin souls), and Bella left unresolved – like echoes of a story that continues beyond the page
The prose is philosophical and lyrical, steeped in the melancholy of remembered things. The narrative – a fresco of the world seen through the author’s own lens – at times transcends its characters, who seem to exist mainly because no story can unfold without human anchors. Yet everything is told with raw honesty and emotion, as if the author were inhabiting all the roles at once.
The ending lingers in ambiguity, with the threads linking Chiara, Ava (the twin souls), and Bella left unresolved – like echoes of a story that continues beyond the page
October 29, 2025
The book weaves a beautifully emotional narrative of two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, whose lives intertwine on a voyage to Australia in 1956. United by fate and the promise of a new beginning, their friendship blossoms amid the challenges of migration, love, and loss. Van-Doorn captures the spirit of postwar resilience with warmth and authenticity, painting vivid portraits of family, faith, and female strength. The symbolism of the butterfly gracefully threads through the story, representing transformation and endurance. With its heartfelt characters and evocative historical setting, Bella Butterfly is a poignant reminder that even in the harshest times, hope can take flight.
July 26, 2025
I found this book very interesting. Since I am a third generation of Italian immigrants to northeast pa I felt a connection to the author. Immigrants always face discrimination and I could relate stories to that effect. We were even called white trash. Every family has its stories of survival in a new country, Australia being no exception. The fact that this is a true story makes it that more endearing. The grandchild wants to remember what the grandparents wish to forget. Chloe for Select Reviews
August 6, 2025
A Gentle Tale with a Big Heart
Bella Butterfly is the kind of story that flutters gently into your heart and stays there. It’s a beautifully written tale about transformation, courage, and the quiet strength that lives inside us all.
I fell in love with all the characters in this book, in particular, the charismatic, gypsy-spirited Chiara and her touching life’s journey of love and loss as she connected with several soulmates.
The end left me with a tear in my eye. I am praying for a book to follow this one up, as I would love to see this story continue.
Bella Butterfly is the kind of story that flutters gently into your heart and stays there. It’s a beautifully written tale about transformation, courage, and the quiet strength that lives inside us all.
I fell in love with all the characters in this book, in particular, the charismatic, gypsy-spirited Chiara and her touching life’s journey of love and loss as she connected with several soulmates.
The end left me with a tear in my eye. I am praying for a book to follow this one up, as I would love to see this story continue.
August 25, 2025
This book is rich with emotions and layered with both beauty and struggle. I was drawn into the characters with their restless, adventurous spirit, gentleness and quiet resilience. And I loved their connections against the backdrop of migration and the challenges of building a new life in 1950s Australia. This book is more about the drama of life itself like messy, unpredictable, and tender, and it’s the kind of book that lingers quietly after you close it. Leaving you to reflect on the strength of women, the bonds of friendship, and the ways we find light even in the darkest times.
November 18, 2025
Marie Van-Doorn’s Bella Butterfly is a compelling novel rooted in the author’s own family history, crafted as historical fiction and emotional drama. The story centers on the lives of two Italian women, Chiara and Ava, who migrate from Italy to Australia in the 1950s. Van-Doorn effectively portrays the challenges immigrants face in Australian society, cultural conflicts, and family dynamics with sincerity and detail. Bella Butterfly is highly recommended for readers who appreciate immigrant stories, strong female characters, and emotional growth.
November 24, 2025
Bella Butterfly by Marie van-Doorn is a deeply touching and emotionally rich novel that follows the intertwined lives of Chiara and Ava — two Italian women whose fates connect on a voyage to Australia in 1956. The author brings their worlds to life with incredible warmth and sensitivity, capturing the beauty of friendship, the challenges of migration, and the quiet strength found in love and resilience. Chiara’s wild, free-spirited wisdom and Ava’s gentle, hopeful nature balance each other perfectly, making their journeys feel both intimate and universal.
I was especially moved by how the “butterfly of fate” threads through their stories, offering moments of light even in their darkest times. A heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel that stays with you long after the final page.
I was especially moved by how the “butterfly of fate” threads through their stories, offering moments of light even in their darkest times. A heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel that stays with you long after the final page.
August 7, 2025
Bella Butterfly is a heartfelt romance about Chiara and Ava, two Italian women who migrate to Australia in 1956. Their deep bond and love stories unfold as they face the challenges of migration and life in a new country. With themes of love, destiny, and resilience, this novel beautifully captures the emotional journey of two women navigating their paths in a foreign land. A must-read for fans of romance and historical fiction.
October 5, 2025
Bella Butterfly tells the story of two Italian women who move to Australia in the 1950s. It’s am emotional book about migration, friendship, and the choices that shape people’s lives. The writing feels honest and personal, and you can tell the author cares about these characters. They are thoroughly developed. Some parts move too slow for me, but the plot feels real and actually the story is based on real life, which is always exciting for me.
October 25, 2025
Bella Butterfly tells the moving story of two Italian women who start fresh in 1950s Australia. The author draws from her own family’s experiences, showing the courage and love it takes to begin again in a new country. The story feels real and heartfelt, and the characters are easy to connect with. This book stays with you long after it ends.
I originally read this on KU, but it touched me so profoundly that I felt I needed to purchase it! I highly recommend it.
I originally read this on KU, but it touched me so profoundly that I felt I needed to purchase it! I highly recommend it.
September 24, 2025
Bella Butterfly by Marie van-Doorn is such a sweet and uplifting read. It’s a simple story on the surface, but it carries a gentle message about growth, change, and finding beauty in who you are. I really enjoyed the way it was written. It's a mixture of calm, thoughtful, and heartwarming. It left me smiling, and it’s definitely the kind of book you want to share with others.
October 6, 2025
This beautiful, historically grounded story of two Italian women immigrating to 1950s Australia truly touched me. It vividly portrays the real hardship and struggle of migrant life, balanced by the enduring strength of friendship and self-discovery. A heartfelt, poetic read about destiny and overcoming adversity.
October 18, 2025
Bella Butterfly by Marie van-Doorn is a heartfelt story about two Italian women starting new lives in Australia during the 1950s. It beautifully captures friendship, courage, and the strength to begin again. The writing feels warm and real, pulling you right into their world. A touching read about hope, resilience, and following your wings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews