Title: Das Schmetterlingsmädchen
Author: Laura Moriarty
First published January 1, 2012
464 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9783404167814 (ISBN10: 3404167813)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Set in the roaring twenties of New York City, Das Schmetterlingsmädchen tells the story of Louise, a fifteen-year-old girl from Kansas who travels to the city to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer. The city is full of life, music, and adventure, and Louise is eager to embrace it all.
However, her unconventional ways and curiosity don’t sit well with her chaperone, Cora, who holds traditional values. As Louise immerses herself in the exciting world of the city, she uncovers a hidden tragedy in Cora’s life that no one knows about.
This journey to New York becomes a journey into the past for Cora and Louise, revealing secrets and truths that will change their lives forever.
About the Author
Laura Moriarty pursued a degree in social work and later went back to the University of Kansas to earn her M.A. in Creative Writing. Her talent and dedication led her to receive the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
Currently, she resides in Lawrence, Kansas. You can learn more about her at http://www.lauramoriarty.net/bio.htm.
Editoral Review
Laura Moriartys Das Schmetterlingsmdchen is a heart-wrenching yet beautiful portrait of a young girl during World War II. Through her characters, Moriarty tackles issues of identity, love, and sacrifice while exploring the complexities of war and the toll it can take on humanity.
Set in Nazi Germany, the novel follows the life of a young girl named Hanna, who is left orphaned after her mother dies in a concentration camp. Despite the horrors she has experienced, Hanna remains determined to survive and seeks refuge in an abandoned house where she comes across a boy named Julian.
The two form an unlikely bond, and as they navigate the destruction and devastation of the war, they must confront their own fears and limitations. Moriartys storytelling is superb, and her vivid descriptions of the setting and characters are both powerful and emotional.
The novel is written in a straightforward style that is accessible to readers of all ages, making it a great educational tool for those interested in learning more about the Holocaust and its impact on those affected by it. There are moments in the novel that are difficult to read due to the graphic description of the atrocities of war, but these are necessary to highlight the realities of the Holocaust and the impact it had on millions of lives.
Despite this, Moriarty infuses the story with hope and resilience, showcasing the strength of the human spirit and the power of love. The characters in the novel are well-rounded and fully developed, with each of them facing their own struggles and demons.
Hannas journey in particular is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and readers will be rooting for her every step of the way. Although Das Schmetterlingsmdchen is a novel about the past, its themes are still relevant today.
The novel highlights the consequences of hate and intolerance, and the importance of standing up against injustice in any form. In conclusion, Das Schmetterlingsmdchen is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or the Holocaust.
Moriartys writing is exceptional, and her characters are unforgettable. The novel will leave you both heartbroken and hopeful, and serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and perseverance.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5, making it a highly recommended read.
