"In the months that followed Martin's gracing of Cafe Dora's doorway, I'd figured out that a real life didn't mean attaining my heart's desire, but knowing it, meant not the satisfication, but the longing. Knowing what you love and why, I found out, is as real as it gets." -- Cornelia.
I'm not sure I've ever experienced a book that has left me with so much to say but trying very diligently to hold back from revealing everything. I find myself without words - Well, to some degree. It isn't a matter of this book leaving me with no exceptional emotions to ponder or not remaining in a state of awe the minute the last page was turned. Oh! Quite the contrary. I'll try and explain it this way: if you've ever been in a room full of butterflies, you naturally try to grab one; wanting to explore its texture, beauty, and existance more. But as soon as you reach for that one, you're taken aback by the beauty of them all. All surrounding you. All reachable. All, in their essence, tangible. But you are truly mesmerized! Allowing yourself to simply take it in.
Now I know what you're thinking, "No, actually, I've never been in a room full of butterflies." Well, neither have I. But this book, trying to explain its beauty, is exactly like it. I'm lost on where to begin. I feel for the past two months of reading this book (I know, two months!) I've been itching, exploding, to say something. But here I am, completely capable of typing the words, yet fully incapable of condensing my thoughts. But I'll try...
When you first open the book, you get the sense you know what it is going to be about. Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after, right? Well, while those fairytale ideas aren't bad to hope for, it is not the focus of this book. In fact, far from it. I remember reading each chapter and watching how Marisa de los Santos effortlessly integrated the life of Cornelia and Clare; although they seem vastly different worlds a part, there is a current of familiarity that flows throughout. And it isn't until that one day, that one look, that one chapter, that combined the world of two unsuspecting characters.
The moment the unspoken gesture of comfort is given to Clare her world and the life of Cornelia Brown is changed forever. This book is not about perpetuating the ideal "love story" that only details the relationship of a man and woman because, lets face it, love is not one sided. There is familial, friendship, and including romantic love which coinsides and exists in all of our lives. While Cornelia's may have been filled in abundance, love did not truly and fully enter her life until a rare and precious 11 year old butterfly named Clare entered it.
Please, I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this book is. It surprises you at every turn and will not leave you in want of anything-promise!
Happy Reading,
Lauren
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