Claire Smith

‘No More Butterflies'

 

“A surprisingly uplifting psychological drama with dark moments and romantic overtones.  Dealing with the subjects of domestic psychological, physical and sexual abuse and the lasting damage these do to their victims, it covers twelve years in the lives of two initially unconnected girls, Emma and Helen, both the victims of some form of abuse and the very different consequences this abuse has to both their lives.

There are some dark and tragic moments as Emma stumbles from one emotional or physical disaster to the next from the ages of sixteen to twenty-eight.  Ultimately it is the realisation of all her clichéd romantic dreams which provides her with the trigger she desperately needs to enable her to take control of her own life.  It makes her realise the only way to no longer be a victim is to stop relying on others for emotional and physical stability and to stand on her own two feet.  It gives her the courage to face her fears and to do what is right for her daughter.

Helen, on the other hand, uses abuse as a weapon with which to defend herself from a world she can not understand.  In reality the abuse she has suffered is difficult to define and the line between legitimate psychological damage and inbuilt character traits is blurred.

The two girls’ lives come together with devastating effects.”

 

This about sums it up although, it is not as dark as it sounds.  At least not all of it anyway.  There are parts which are difficult to read (they were difficult to write too) but overall the feelings you are left with are of hope, love and friendship.  The ending is bittersweet and has had all comers crying (in a good way) and reaching for the tissues.