BUTTERFLY

By V. C. Andrews

Written By: Zehra Nasirali

Date: 26 January, 1999

For: Mr. Macleod

 

      I chose to do my book report on the first novel or an orphan's miniseries; Butterfly. V.C. Andrews has written an exceptionally spine-tingling novel; with a few parts that actually make your hair stand on end. This book employs simple diction and a touching story, and is very easy to follow.

      The story starts off in an orphanage, where a reserved 12 year old awaits a visit from a couple who may want to adopt her - Mr. and Mrs. Delorice. Janet behaves with the utmost grace, and is respectful and civil because, like every other orphan, her orphan is to be accepted into a huge house with loving parents - Janet felt the same way. To her surprise Mr. and Mrs. Delorice had been eyeing her for quite some time and they were determined to adopt her as their daughter. It obviously touched Janet's heart to see that she would have a stable life, unlike the other kids at the orphanage, who made it their goal to taunt and shame Janet about each land every attribute she had.

      The Delorices ran a factory of their own, which is how, they managed the mansion they lived in Mrs. Delorice or Celine, was a cripple in a wheelchair for life. She often put the blame on her husband, Sandford that he caused the car-accident since he was too drunk. Although she seemed like a wonderful mother at first, as the novel progresses it becomes known that her only purpose in adopting Janet was to make Janet fulfil a wish of hers. Celine was one of the top ranked ballet performer when she was able but since the accident, her chances of reaching distinction - which initially was around the bend – now seemed totally eliminated. She had a very strong passion for ballet; if she could not do it, she would make her 'supposed daughter' attain a dazzling performer's position. She was very hard on Janet, making her work for hours each night with an egotistical home tutor, Madame Malisorf. She was Celine's tutor when she herself was able.

      At first, Janet was dazed and excited at the same time - to see she had been accepted. All this was happening too fast for her. Now she had new clothes, new shoes, her own room, a new family and a new life altogether. Therefore, she felt obliged to make Celine's dream become true. However, it wasn't very easy. she was out on a strict diet, had to work out every day, and whenever she had extra time on her hands, she was made to repeat her dance lessons; she never go any proper rest or time to herself because she also had a school life to live. But she never said a word; she was beginning to wonder whether being adopted by the Delorices was a good thing.

      Sandford seemed to understand Janet's position. He always tried to fight for her with his wife. He was a very gentle father who knew when to set his limits, but he could never set any for Celine, since she was the more dominant one. They even had peaceful walks at the beach. Both Sandford and Janet had a very special relationship, the one shared between father and daughter. He always wanted to take Janet to his factory, but Celine ofcourse made sure that any extra time she got was spent doing ballet. It was only after a month or two, that his plans received any emphasis. He was even so sweet to plan a party for her real birthday. As usual, Celine thought that this was a waste of time.

      Celine and Sandford hardly spent any time together these days, and when they got some time, they spent it fighting over how to plan events for Janet. Sandford was very soft and considerate where as Celine always wanted her way through. It was as if, the inclusion of Janet in their lives brought about this entire disturbance. At the end, Celine ended up being institutionalized and poor Janet had to return to an orphanage, but a better one. While breaking this new to Janet, Sandford confessed and apologized to his daughter. It seemed that he had been exploiting her to keep Celine happy since she was really hard to manage after the accident. Her involvement with Janet and ballet would save Sandford from dealing with Celine's needs.

      In conclusion, 'Butterfly' is a book that is entwined with selfishness, love, and exploitation in the poor life of an orphanage. I would definitely recommend this book to those students who take their families for granted.

 

Teachers Comments: Well Done! 77%

 

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