Title: Butterfly’s Child
Author: Alan Chin
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Buy Link: Buy Link Butterfly’s Child
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Novel (274 pdf pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
A Guest Review by Cole
Review Summary: Even though the romance element is barely there, like all of Alan Chin’s books, this is a beautifully written novel about a lost, gay man, finding his way back to his roots and discovering the family that he never knew he had.
BLURB
While back in the West to attend his grandmother’s funeral, Cord Bridger uncovers two shocking revelations: his grandmother had a lesbian lover named Juanita, and he has a teenaged son named Kalin. Fate brings all three together, but to preserve his new family, Cord must leave his safe life in New York City behind to carve a living from the harsh ranch lands of Nevada.
To forge a life with Juanita and Kalin, Cord must first discover the dark secret burning a hole in Kalin’s heart. With the help of Tomeo, a handsome Japanese veterinarian, Cord travels a gut-wrenching road of triumphs and tragedies to insure his son will survive the sinister violence of his past. But as Tomeo becomes more than just a helpful friend to Cord, a new set of problems arise between Cord and Kalin that may threaten the happiness of them all.
REVIEW
Cord is a gifted pianist that has allowed fear to end his stage career. Instead, he uses the talent that he has, and his absolute perfect pitch, to do the one job that he can — tuning pianos. Though he may be the most prestigious piano tuner in the world, as he tunes the hundred-thousand dollar Steinway pianos that make their way to playhouses around the world, he still feels that he’s given up on his talent. This, and the breakneck pace of New York City, leads him deeper into a spiraling depression as he leaves his apartment less and less — until the only place he goes is work. His boyfriend of several years is a social butterfly, and as they drift apart, two startling things happen: he sees his boyfriend, Cameron, is cheating on him, and he finds out that the grandmother who raised him, Cora, has died. Now, he has to travel to the Bitter Water, the ranch he grew up on, to bury Cora and settle the estate. Only, when he returns, he learns of his grandmother’s parter, Juanita, and that he has a son of his own, Kalin.
Kalin is 15 years old, the son of Jesse, Cord’s high school best friend and one time girlfriend. He has a younger brother, Jem, born of Jesse’s latest husband, that he cares for and watches over. His mother’s drug addiction, money squandering, and habit of moving from crime boss to pedophile in order to support her drug habit means that Kalin has gotten the brunt of the hatred and abuse from his many pseudo-fathers. Jem sleeps under his bed and Kalin with a baseball bat and they speak to each other in a secret language. But the one man he hates more than all of them is his father, whom he has never met, but who ran out on his mother and left him to deal with everything. And now, his mother is taking him to his grandmother’s funeral to meet him. But Kalin doesn’t know everything about Cord, just as Cord doesn’t know anything about having a son. When Cord is forced to take care of Kalin and Jem for the summer, he needs all the help he can get — from Juanita, the bruja, who needs someone to care for now that her partner has died, to Tomeo, a local Japanese veterinarian, who is peaceful and kind, and offers love and advice from his Buddhist teachings. They make a strange family, but one that grows to love and understand each other, but not without more than their fair share of troubles and terrible secrets.
I have only read one other book by Alan Chin, Island Song, but I can safely say that he writes some of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. His prose is lyrical and he has a way of showcasing his characters so that they’re cut open on the table, all of their inner self laid out bare for us to see. In fact, the title of this book portrays that a bit and is alluded to once Cord returns to the Bitter Water. He sees a model of a butterfly pinned to a board and he thinks that that is the perfect metaphor for how he feels — caught, trapped, and pinned down for everyone to see. This is primarily a novel about family, and thought there is a romance element, between Cord and Tomeo, it is only lightly portrayed. It is often in the background, and only a couple of times throughout the novel is it given time on the page. Even then, it is mostly shown as a meeting of minds — and though Cord and Tomeo do end up together playing father to Kalin and Jem, there are only one or two physical scene between them. For most of the story, Tomeo is Cord’s mentor, or at least a rock to hold tight to in the swift current. Tomeo is Buddhist, and there is always and underlying thread to the story of Cord trying to understand his life through the tenets that Tomeo lives by, most notably the idea that unhappiness in life is attributed to the human’s need to covet the constancy of things, in the midst of things that are always changing. Also, as someone who has grown up in a town like the town in this novel, I can attest to the hostile feeling that Cord feels as a gay man here. Part of this is because the town think’s he’s a deadbeat father, no matter that he never knew he had a son, but the tone of the novel was very well done. Also, just like the idea of Buddhism in the novel, Juanita, who Kalin and Jem believe to be a bruja, is the personification of a connection to life and nature. Here is a paragraph about Juanita that shows the beauty of the writing as well:
Juanita had taped collages of Jem’s crayon pictures on every wall: smiling suns, dancing dogs, turquoise lizards whispering in a boy’s ear, swarms of butterflies flaunting rainbow-colored wings. They had transformed the bleak kitchen into a vivid, happy space. These wild pictures hadn’t come from Jem’s imagination, but rather from Juanita. Every night they gathered at the fireplace and she told the boys folktales while Cord, half-listening, played the piano. She spun her tales like a master weaver fabricating gold-threaded cloth. The power of her narration lay in the tempo of her words, the inflection of her voice, and her well-timed pauses. Her tales were of another reality—people who turned into crows as the moon rose, coyotes who spoke Spanish and danced the rumba, lizards who slithered onto your shoulder and whispered secrets into your ear. Her stories described the mysterious unseen powers she claimed surrounded them all. All those colorful tales found their way into Jem’s drawings.
Later in the story, there is a scene where Cord looks up to the boys’ treehouse and he sees Jem calling butterflies. Mystified that the boy believed Juanita was telling the truth about calling animals, he watches in wonder as butterflies swarm from all around, alighting on Jem’s head and arms. I felt like this was a metaphor for Cord, that in getting to know his family and making a new life for himself, the pins had been pulled out of his wings and he was no longer a trapped insect on display.
For the majority of the novel, the narration is from the POV of the youngest of the characters, Jem. I found this strange, and it wasn’t until later in the story that I started to understand why Alan Chin might have written this way. Jem is certainly not a typical little boy. In many ways he is, but he has certainly had a difficult life. In fact, almost all of the characters in this story have had a hard life, and I realized while reading, that even though he has witnessed some terrible things, Jem is the only character who hasn’t yet lost his innocence. He, like all children, have a way of looking at the world that cuts through all of the chatter and nonsense that adults see, and gets right to the heart of the matter. He sees people for who they are, not what they are, merely from they way they act in his presence. And it seems that he is also almost always the fly on the wall, only a semi-participant of the heavy plot and emotions. Also, I thought that Alan Chin did an amazing job of narrating from the POV of a child, which, when you think of it, must be one of the hardest things to write. It isn’t just the speech and mannerisms that make a child, but the rationale and logic of a child that are fundamentally different.
For the most part, I was extraordinarily pleased with this novel. But, I would have loved more of the romance story between Cord and Tomeo. It is possible that with all of the outside influences on their family and the emergence of a major threat on the family that Alan Chin thought he might not have room for this. Or maybe, he didn’t see it as the fundamental meaning of the story, of which Cord making a family with his children is the top priority. I still would have loved more between Cord and Tomeo, who were very sweet to each other. I especially loved Tomeo, who was a calming influence to Cord. I also wondered near the end of the novel about Jesse having withdrawals, which was never mentioned after her drugs were gone. However, this was still a beautifully rendered story that I grew to love, just as all of his stories seem to be.
Content Warning: There is mention of repeated off-page child rape and the death of a minor character in the end of this book. As to the first, there is barely any detail and it explains a lot of the distrust and hate that Kalin has for gay men. As to the second, I found the death a fitting end for the character. That sounds spiteful on my part, I know, but the death is an honorable one for an honorable character. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, though I have heard many say that this is not their favorite of Alan Chin’s books. Of his books that I have read, Eastern Religion and Mysticism tend to be underlying topics within his stories, so those who are interested in that will like his stories. I didn’t find the topic of Buddhism to be overwhelming here, as it was a minor part of the book, simply to explain the way Tomeo, and in growing instances, Cord, envision the world around them. I eagerly await whatever is coming next from Mr. Chin. Definitely Recommended.
Hi Cole,
I’ve been waiting for your review. Amazing job, by the way, I didn’t dare tackle to review this one with its complicated and tragical plot. Alan Chin is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors; he writes with an intensity and honesty that is rare to find. Although I must say his books are no easy, fluffy reads, I’ve found the time I spent reading them well spent.
Hi Feliz! You’re right about that… Though they may be the most rewarding novels, they’re definitely hard to get through sometimes. He also tends to write some pretty long books. It was a bit daunting tackling this one, but I think I did an okay job of showing how it affected me. Thats all you can really do, right?
Thanks Feliz 🙂
Hi Cole,
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I loved the balance between the romance and the family life. It seemed to me that just as the family grew together, so too did Cord and Tomeo. Although there was not a lot of discussion between them, they were obviously both aware of other’s developing feelings, and moved quite seamlessly, and without drama, into their love affair.
Wbat I find interesting is that you barely mention the aspect that I found most out of place. I didn’t like all the drama and violence of the ending – it seemed like too much for this book. Alan Chin had introduced a lot of themes; building a family, addiction, Buddhism, child abuse. Butt for me there were a couple of issues/coincidences which outstripped credulity and I thought the ending was too much.
However, I loved the writing and the relationship building, and will certainly read another by this author.
I’ve heard a lot of people mention that this is their least favorite aspect of the novel, and that they didn’t find it fitting. I won’t say that I totally disagree, but to me, that it is more of an apples to oranges thing. With Alan Chin, I try not to anticipate what he’s going to show me, because I never know what to expect with his books. So, maybe that is why the violence didn’t bother me so much. Also, I might have felt it out of place if the violence hadn’t been set up right from the beginning, both with the boys knowing that Jem’s father was going to come for them, and with the overlying hostility of the town. I am also curious if those that did not like the violence were upset that it was there at all, or if it was the way the scene played out in the end. I have to admit that I was a little surprised in the way the violence culminated in the end. But then again, I didn’t mind it being there in the first place.
I’m thinking now about how the novel could possibly play out without the violence, and I just don’t see it. With the characters being who they are, including Jesse and Jem’s father, as well as the determination Cord feels to protect his children… It all seems to add up to some kind of a showdown. Maybe it was the way it played out? IDK..
Thanks for replying, Rachel! Its really interesting to hear what others think, especially when they see a book in a different way than you did 🙂
Alan writes interesting books. I could not watch tennis with the same eye after reading his Match maker.
This sounds like a winner too. Thanks for the review Cole
Hey Ingrid! I started reading Match Maker, but I had to put it down. It was wonderful, but I had just finished reading Island Song and I doubt I could ever successfully read two of Alan Chin’s books back to back. They need a bit of room in between for my ideas and thoughts to settle. But I’m glad you brought it up, I need to make sure that I don’t forget about starting it again 🙂
Match Maker was a terrific book. It sounds like this one will be as well.
Hi Laura! Like I told Ingrid, I really need to start reading Match Maker again. It seems like such a wonderful book.
If you decide to read Butterfly’s Child, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Timely review, I have been disappointed by some of the romance stories I’ve read lately and would love to read a good, well written novel. I’ve not yet read anything by Allen Chin, but have been reading good things about his writing from several different sources. Your thoughtful review of this book will finally get me to try this author.
Hi Jill! Alan Chin is one of the best writers in M/M, IMO. You definitely won’t go wrong picking up one of his books. As to which one? I don’t know that any of them are better than others for starting out. Match Maker seems to be a fan favorite. Island Song remains my favorite, but I love reading about Eastern Religions and Mysticism. It all depends on which one sounds best to you.
I hope you enjoy whichever book you choose!
I read and thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Like RachelT, I did not care for the overly dramatic and violent ending. Although I found the ending disappointing, the rest of the book more than made up for it.
Hi Kathy! I wrote a lot of detail about how I feel about the ending above, in my reply to Rachel’s comment. But, in general, I don’t know if I can picture the story really resolving in any other way, unless it is specifics of the violence that bother you.
I’m happy that you liked the book anyway, though 🙂 Thanks for replying!
Great review Cole. I too am an Alan Chin fan, though I’ve only read Match Maker so far. I couldn’t tell from the blurb or excerpt what kind of book this was going to be so I appreciate your review. I think I’m going to read his Island story next but I’m sure I’ll get around to this one before years end. His war time story got amazing reviews but it doesn’t sound like something I care to read no matter how well written.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights, I feel much better making this purchase!
Hey Reggie! Thanks for commenting. This is certainly a wonderful book, but Island Song remains my favorite. I think it is the mysticism in the book. You can certainly tell that Alan Chin loves Eastern Religions. I have yet to read Match Maker, but I’m definitely looking forward to it. Thanks Reggie!
Thank you, Cole, for a lovely and insightful review of Butterfly’s Child, and for the kind words about Island Song and Match Maker. Your views are much appreciated.
Interesting comments about the ending. I explored several options, but all others endings seemed like such a cop out, not true to the characters. This story, from the beginning, drives to one defining moment between father and son, a turning point in every character’s life. It had to be strong, emotional, painful, like giving birth. At least that’s how I saw it.
Anyway, thanks again. Hope you enjoy Match Maker.
Thank you Alan, for replying and giving us some insight into why you ended the book in the manner you did. I had wondered if this was the reason, and I see why you wrote it in that way. I find it interesting and very fitting that you describe it as giving birth, both with the implications that has for Kalin and Cord and the forging of a new life for both of them, and with the inherent violence of birth itself. The manner up to death might be violent, or it might not, but the actual act of dying I have always thought as peaceful. Birth, however is different. It is painful, bloody, and violent.
One of the most wonderful things about reading, in my experience, is that reading is an intensely personal experience. No matter the story, it evolves with each person who reads it, it takes on a new meaning to resonate with each reader. I think it is wonderful that many of the people who have read this story have attributed different meanings and interpretations to it.
As always, you have written a wonderful story that I found myself lucky to review. Thank you for such a wonderful novel!
I would read a grocery list written by Alan Chin. His characters are so vivid and alive to me and his stories linger long in my brain (and gut) after I’ve finished the books. Like you said, Cole, I don’t think I could read two of Alan Chin’s books back-to-back.
I find it interesting that in some books with violence, I don’t have a visceral reaction, and in others, I do. I think the more true-to-life the story, characters, etc. are to me, the more the violence bothers me. And that is why the violence in Butterfly’s Child was disturbing. Because to me, it wasn’t gratuitous; it felt all too real. Because Alan Chin made me believe in his story.
Thanks for the review and the discussion! It’s always fun to see what works for people and what doesn’t.
I completely agree, kel. His books really affect me as well, and I agree that it is because of his characters. That is why I felt like, no matter your personal tastes, the ending couldn’t really go any other way (IMO). The characters that Alan Chin creates are so vivid and real, and so completely drawn, that they must make their own path. I suppose in this case, the characters really do drive the plot. My stomach dropped at the very last confrontation, thinking about Jem.
Thanks for replying and offering your opinion!
Sorry if I came off against the ending. There is a reason I’m a reader, not a writer! But I totally agree with you – I felt the violent ending worked. It was the catalyst which solidified each character’s relationship with each other – Cord’s, Kalin’s, Cord’s father.
I meant to say above that because the violence felt so real, it was disturbing, like the way I feel when I watch a documentary versus a blockbuster action movie. I enjoy both, but the documentary resonates where the action movie entertains. Not sure if that makes more sense?
Thats fine, kel 🙂 I thought I was sure what you were saying, but I couldn’t be completely sure. It doesn’t matter too much, because you made your point regardless. I think that is a really great way of describing the way the characters (and violence) made me feel as well — as if they were a documentary, instead of fiction.
Thanks for helping further the discussion!
Cole, your review prompted me to dig out this one out of my TBR pile as well, I could not put it down myself and finished in one sitting today. I absolutely loved it, and did not mind that romance was barely there at all. As to ending, well, yes it felt too much, but not because it was not fitting or anything like that, it just felt a little like what is it Wild Wild West, you know? I don’t know if I am making sense, but I guess them not calling the police did not make sense to me?
Although absolutely I thought it was foreshadowed, the confrontation I mean and set up well. Not sure if I can explain it any better. Great review.
I tried Match maker though when it was out and put it aside, to me story was way too tennis – technical, I mean I would not know about whole story, I only read first few chapters. Do we still get a lot of tennis in great details later on? Just felt like love story is buried in tennis, if that makes sense.
As to the police — I sortof figured that they wouldn’t be much help. I seem to remember them talking about the FBI in there somewhere, but I can’t remember why.
I’m glad that you liked this one, I thought it was a wonderful book and I was really proud of Cord for becoming the father that his own should have been.
I never got very far into Match Maker, so I’m not sure how the romance fits in with the tennis later in the book. I love tennis though, and played for many years. So, I know that I’ll love the technical stuff. But that’s just me 🙂
I loved this one for sure and was proud of Cord myself 🙂
So you never got into Match Maker because you did not like it for other reasons if I may ask? I have it, maybe I should try tackling it again, not like I have to spend money to buy it. 🙂
No, I really liked it, but I had just finished reading Island Song by Alan Chin, and I just can’t read two of his books in a row, no matter how wonderful they are. But I have been thinking about reading it again sometime soon 🙂
Ooo I see what you mean, thanks Cole.
My first Alan Chin book was The Lonely War which tied in for best M/M book I read last year. Alan chin has a certain way with words that just take my breath away.
About two weeks ago, I bought Match Maker and I’m looking forward to reading it even though I know exactly zip about tennis. While I don’t know why Island Song hasn’t quite pinged me–though I have the ARe page bookmarked in my “To Buy” list.
Anyhoo, your review of Butterfly’s Child has piqued my interest. Alan Chin doesn’t write fluffy or easy novels (and novels they are–which is something that ol’ little voracious reader me loves.) But his words will move your and the stories will stay with you forever.
BTW, both from your review and after a quick glance through the comments, I can see that the ending can be quite a shock. Though I’m by nature a spoilerphobe, I’m glad that I know enough about the ending to brace myself for impact (as it were) when the novel comes to a close.
I’ve bookmarked BC and will most definitely buy it. Thank you for such a thoughtful review.
Hi Luce!
Honestly, to me, the ending didn’t really come as a shock at all. But, I know enough by now from others’ comments that it did for quite a lot of people. I hate spoilers as well, but one of the things I love most about reviews that is that I get an idea of what is coming, but the story is still not spoiled. That helps a lot when I’ve bought the book and wouldn’t have expected something that ends up bothering me. If I know that there’s a possibility I won’t like something about the book, its nice to be a bit prepared. Also, I love it when I hear to watch out for something, so I’ve girded myself against the upcoming parts of the book that might be difficult for me, and then it turns out that I have no problem at all, I feel like I’ve lowered my expectations and then gotten a great surprise. Obviously, when it happens the other way around, like when people talk up a book so much and then it is only so-so for me, that really sucks 🙂
So, I’m glad that you’re excited about reading this one. I have to say that I’ve heard incredible things about The Lonely War, but like you feel about Island Song, I never really felt the need to read it. I love Island Song the most because one of my academic passions has always been Mysticism and Eastern Religions, so it was right up my alley.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as you did the others. I can certainly agree with you about Alan Chin’s writing — it is extraordinary!