The Sound of Butterflies – Rachael King

READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel

In 1904 lepidopterist Thomas Edgar arrives home to England from a collecting expedition in the Amazon. He is emaciated and cannot or will not speak. As his wife wonders what has happened, the book takes us back to the Amazon and details the wild events that Thomas experienced during his search for a mysterious butterfly. 

♥ “A sensory book in which every person, action and location is well captured. The Amazon is a fascinating setting, the perfect place for an exciting string of events, and as such I learnt a lot while being completely entertained.” – Rachel

♥ “Ever since a slightly terrifying book read at school as an 8 year old I have been slightly edgy around moths and even butterflies.  The story ended with thousands of evil moths beating their wings against a door trying to reach the person inside.  My kid overactive imagination (not improved by adulthood actually) went a step further – *obviously* the the moths beat down the door and ate the person.  THIS BOOK BY RACHAEL KING DID NOT HELP. But all is forgiven as this is a beautiful book. I was there alongside the characters, feeling exhilarated and sweaty in the jungle and also then repressed and sad in the stuffiness of England. A great read.” – Suzy

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Published 2008
Picador
386 pages