Inspired by a true story of the death of the daughter of an aristocratic Irish family- the Montagus- at the end of the nineteenth century, Bernie McGill’s debut novel The Butterfly Cabinet is the gripping story of a tragic secret that links two women’s lives. I’m rather fond of novels that are based loosely on real life and this is quite a dark tale told through the memories of the dead child’s aristocratic mother and young housemaid. Here is the story in nutshell, without giving anything away:
Remembering that this is based on reality, the facts are, Harriet Ormond locks her 4 year old daughter Charlotte in a wardrobe room with her hands tied as punishment for soiling herself. When she returns three hours later Charlotte has been asphyxiated. Harriet goes to prison for her crimes. Seventy years later the home that Harriet had run has been turned into a nursing home where her maid now resides. When Harriet’s granddaughter visits Maddie, the housemaid, she gives her Harriet’s prison diary and begins to share memories of the past with her. Okay, I won’t go any further with the details, but your dying to know aren’t you? That’s how I felt the entire time I was reading this book.
This book was a fascinating read. McGill’s descriptions are intricate and take you back in time. I was on the edge of my seat full of suspense waiting for what was to unfold next. I’m still tore over the ” being trapped in motherhood” theme that seemed to be one of the core principles in this novel. As heartbreaking as it was, it is also intelligent, emotional and powerful. A must read on my list!
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I want to thank Free Press and Simon & Schuster for sending me this book to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.