Monday, February 11, 2013

The Patron Saint of Butterflies: a Full Cast Audio Production by Cecelia Galante-ADVISABLE



Galante, Cecilia, The Patron Saint of Butterflies. Full Cast Audio, 2011. AUDIOBOOK. Language: PG (1 swear, no “f”s), Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG

Agnes and Honey have grown up together in a religious commune called Mount Blessing, but they haven’t always seen eye to eye. Agnes is trying hard to become a saint and lives by the book the commune’s leader, Emmanuel, gave her. Honey, abandoned by her mother and forced to be a servant at the commune, is constantly getting herself and Agnes sent to the Regulation Room, a place where Emmanuel beats them with a belt as part of their punishment. Unlike Agnes, Honey longs to be free of Emmanuel and the commune. When Grandma Pete comes to visit, Honey sees her chance. As things heat up, the situation only gets worse when Benny, Agnes’ little brother’s hand gets smashed badly and needs surgery. Taking Honey, Benny, and Agnes with her, Grandma Pete heads toward Texas in an attempt to free the kids of the child abuse they suffered. Agnes is very resistant to leaving Mount Blessing. As their journey unfolds, Honey discovers some dark secrets about what really happened to her mother and things that go on at Mount Blessing. Can Honey convince Agnes that she’s better off without Mount Blessing? With Grandma Pete’s help, will Honey be finally free? Will she ever find her mother?

Although it moves at a moderate pace, the story is touching and moving. The characters are likable and seem realistic given their situation. The plot is fairly well-developed and pulls the readers in by making them feel for the characters and their relationships. The full cast on the audio do a fantastic job and add unique perspective to the characters. The different narrative styles fit together well and do not overwhelm each other. Readers who like realistic fiction, friendship stories, and stories of family will enjoy listening to this book.MS, HS. ADVISABLE Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

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