Color Me Butterfly: A Novel Inspired by One Family's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

By L.Y. Marlow

Book Overview

Inspired by a true story, Color Me Butterfly follows four generations of mothers and daughters--haunted by a common specter of domestic abuse--as they discover the strength, hope, and courage to survive. The last thing Eloise Bingham wanted was to leave the comforts of her South Carolina home and family. But at the end of World War II, the young wife follows her husband, Isaac, to Philadelphia--only to experience his sinister and violent temper. Eloise's children--and their children and grandchildren--will face their own trials over the next sixty years: Mattie, who has lived in her mother Eloise's shadow, finds it takes a life-changing tragedy to help her break free; Lydia, Mattie's strong-willed daughter, summons the resolve to rise above the cycle of abuse; and finally, Treasure, Lydia's lively daughter, has the chance to be the first to escape her family's destructive legacy. It will take unconditional love, old-fashioned family values, faith, and fearless determination--already embedded in each woman's DNA--to triumph over a life plagued with unspeakable pain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307716619
• ISBN13: 9780307716613
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Family Saga

What an emotional ride! L.Y. Marlow's heart-wrenching story of abuse experienced by her family was powerful, emotional, funny, and very tragic. Her characters literally leaped off the pages and you were rooting for them along the way - wanting to give them the courage to help them out of their situation. The talent of this new face in the publishing world will be embraced by many and will leave others wanting more. Kudos to L.Y. for sharing an amazing and painful story. I look forward to future novels by L.Y.!

Mothers and Daughters

I would like to applaud L.Y. Marlow for sharing four generations of personal family secrets and tragedies. This book exemplifies the strong bond between mothers and daughters. Color Me Butterfly is phenomenal. Your family history is told so vividly. Color Me Butterfly is the best novel I read this year.

Enticing, holds your attention to the last page

This is an amazing book. I loved how it wound through 4 generations of a family. It was also great that there were some photos in the book, it was one more way you are able to get to know the family and their story. I couldn't put this book down and read it on my lunch hour and both my 10 min breaks at work. When I finished the book it was great to know Lydia and her daughter had found freedom! I wish I was in a book club to discuss it with others! I can't wait to recommend this to customers and book clubs of our bookstore. Every woman should read this book!

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy...

Powerful book about a family's history and the strong women who overcame decades of abuse. An inspiration to all who are struggling against domestic violence. Courage: A Woman's Inspirational Journal (A Color Me Butterfly)

Color Me Butterfly

Color Me Butterfly by L. Y. Marlow is a brave account of facing the grim past and trying to build a new future. The author traces the women in her family struggling with abuse. She, her mother and her grandmother suffered through abusive relationships, at times feeling they had no choice. Marlow, however, determined she would change her life, striving for a brighter future for her daughter, Treasure. From the rural lands of South Carolina to the city streets of Philadelphia, the women face abuse and tragedy with courage, determination, and strength. Marlow's account gives the reader a reason to believe one can do something about a bad situation if a goal is set, a direction is deliberate, and with an ambition of perseverance. The book ends with the hope of a limitless future for Marlow and her daughter. It was engaging and inspiring. It is a definite buy for my shelves. Connie Rice Library Media Specialist