Rarely does a book about domestic violence make me have flashes to abuse I suffered in the past. Color Me Butterfly by L.Y. Marlow stirred memories of situation I had been in and I was surprised to see the women reacting as I did. Despite the graphic details, I was moved to read on and on until the end.

This book spans a 60 year period in the lives of a family of strong African American women who survived domestic abuse one generation after another. At times you forget this is a retelling of what Ms. Marlow went through as she writes in a style of a novel. The story begins with the mother Eloise meeting the father Isaac. The beginning of their romance is beautiful and sweet. The monster in Isaac doesn't come out until he convinces Eloise to move north to Pennsylvania with him. Problems escalate with the beatings to Eloise. Isaac takes his anger out on the children as well.

It was interesting to see what is called the cycle of abuse touch all of the daughters of Isaac and Eloise. L.Y.s story of breaking the cycle with her abuser and also helping her own daughter out of an abusive situation was inspiring and empowering. I applaud Ms. Marlow for having the courage to share such disturbing and intimate details of her family history. This book will surely be helpful to those who are victims of abuse as well as to those who have never experienced or witnessed such mistreatment.

The book trailer catches your attention!



Listen to L.Y. Marlow read an excerpt of Color Me Butterfly