The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante is the story of Honey and Agnes: two girls raised on a religious commune called Mount Blessing and ruled by a man who calls himself Emmanuel. Agnes lives with her parents and younger brother Benny, while Honey, who was abandoned there by her mother, lives with a slow-witted man who is the groundskeeper and teaches her to love butterflies. While from the outside life at commune may seem idyllic, behind closed doors, abuse at the hands of Emmanuel is rampant.
Through a series of events, Agnes and Benny's grandmother who happens to be visiting (although she is not really welcome) finally realizes what is going on and underhandedly removes Agnes, Benny and Honey from Mount Blessing.
Honey is more than happy to leave, but Agnes fights the plan with all she has. As a result, Agnes and Honey are forced to come to terms with many things, including their identities, beliefs, and friendship.
At times reading this book was frustrating. The people at the commune were so brainwashed at the hands of Emmanuel. I just wanted to shake them and them to "wake up!"
Luckily things are happier and mostly resolved by the end.
This is a really fascinating read. Check it out.
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