The Secret of the Butterfly by Dina Dalbar
It was Okay
Approaching this book with an open mind, I had high hopes, eager to immerse myself in its narrative. However, after three days of avid page-turning, my sentiments gravitate towards mere contentment. Despite my initial enthusiasm, I found myself drawn to Iris, the protagonist, perhaps due to my own experiences with disability, fostering a deep sense of empathy for her journey. Grateful for the author’s illumination of Jewish faith, I embarked on Iris’s path of growth and resilience.
Throughout the narrative, Iris faces a myriad of challenges, yet she navigates them with unwavering determination. Love, loss, joy, and sorrow punctuate her story, yet she persists, refusing to yield to self-pity. Despite my admiration for Iris, I couldn’t help but yearn for her love interest to exhibit more genuine affection, held to a higher standard that seemed elusive. It appeared unjust that he could have everything while Iris was left with naught.
My heart ached for Iris’s lack of support and advocacy, a plight not uncommon among individuals with disabilities. While the book sheds light on often overlooked issues, I felt a pang of dissatisfaction, craving a more resounding voice for Iris, a place she could truly call home. It is this lingering sense of unfinished business that leaves me pondering long after the final page is turned.
