Plum is at the worst possible moment of adolescence, despising things about herself, her friends, her family, and her life. Her so-called friends tolerate her at their fringe, and Plum puts up with some of their abuse and humiliation in the hope of being accepted, only to sabotage any chance she might have with her own desperation. Her achingly real need for acceptance finds affirmation in Maureen, the married woman living next door. Maureen understands Plum’s desire to be a new person, more grown up and sophisticated, and offers Plum seemingly sincere advice and much-needed friendship. Meanwhile, Plum is unaware that Maureen is having an affair with her older brother, Justin, let alone that Justin wants to break it off. Sonya Hartnett brings her immense talent to this coming of age novel that juxtaposes several storylines as it offers up a painful look at self-loathing, and also offers breakthrough moments of clarity and hope. Plum’s yearning to belong—in her family, among her friends—is profound. Maureen’s desperation is unsettling. And both of Plum’s brothers love her but aren’t sure how to help her, let alone themselves. Hartnett shows her wonderfully drawn characters from more than one perspective, leaving readers to contemplate the motives and complexities of individuals and relationships in this masterful novel that ends with a suspenseful and disturbing final scene but also the sense that Plum, at least, will be alright. (Age 14 and older)

In masterful prose, the author of SURRENDER tells a quiet but powerful tale about the shifting bonds and psychological perils of adolescence.

Plum Coyle is on the edge of adolescence. Her fourteenth birthday is approaching, when her old life and her old body will fall away, and she will become graceful, powerful, and at ease. The strength of the objects she stores in a briefcase under her bed —a crystal lamb, a yoyo, an antique watch, a coin —will make sure of it. Over the next couple of weeks, Plum’s life will change. Her beautiful neighbor Maureen will begin to show Plum how she might fly. The older brothers she adores will court catastrophe in worlds that she barely knows exist. And her friends, her worst enemies, will tease and test, smelling weakness. They will try to lead her on and take her down. BUTTERFLY is a gripping, disquieting, beautifully observed coming-of-age novel by an acclaimed author at the top of her form.