The Butterfly Project is an emotional love story about guilt and forgiveness. In short, it has heart.
The main characters, Beckett and Zelda (think Fitzgerald, not Nintendo) are two of the lost souls of New York. Each are nearing the ends of their respective ropes, each weighed down by a past they can’t let go. The book doesn’t waste time in introducing us to them or them to each other, but there’s no insta-lust, just two people who need each other’s help. I loved how they grew from strangers to friends to lovers and how they each helped the other grow and heal. There was no stupid miscommunication or pointless fight, which was a refreshing change.
That’s not to say there was no conflict, or that everything is sunshine and roses. Zelda has panic attacks after witnessing her sister’s abduction. Beckett made a stupid decision several years ago which ended with someone’s death. Both of them want nothing more than to rewind their lives and change the past. Instead, they have to live with a heavy burden of guilt and ‘if only’. There’s one chapter where Zelda visits her family and I cried through the entire thing.
They find a chance at healing and forgiveness together. Not only through meeting, but through Mother, May I, the graphic novel that Zelda writes as a form of catharsis. It’s used in-story to bring them together and as a metaphor for Zelda’s emotional journey. Discussing it allows her to express emotions that otherwise send her into a panic attack. The inclusion of actual panels is a nice touch, as well.
The New York City that Emma Scott writes is not pretty or easy, but it has its moments and has real people who are trying their best. I liked Roy and rooted for Darlene. The ending left me satisfied that things are on the up and up for two people who deserve it. I will have to check out more stories from Emma Scott in the future.
Five satisfied stars!
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Buy it on Amazon here.
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