Praise Song for the Butterflies

A Novel

By: Bernice L. McFadden

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Abeo Kata lives a comfortable, happy life in West Africa as the privileged nine-year-old daughter of a government employee and stay-at-home mother. But when the Katas' idyllic lifestyle takes a turn for the worse, Abeo's father, following his mother's advice, places the girl in a religious shrine, hoping that the sacrifice of his daughter will serve as atonement for the crimes of his ancestors. Unspeakable acts befall Abeo for the 15 years she is held in the shrine. When she is finally rescued, broken and battered, she must struggle to overcome her past, endure the revelation of family secrets, and learn to trust and love again.

In the tradition of Chris Cleave's Little Bee, this novel is a contemporary story that offers an eye-opening account of the practice of ritual servitude in West Africa. Spanning decades and two continents, Praise Song for the Butterflies will break your heart and then heal it.

"An engrossing novel that truly is a praise song for survivors everywhere." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A tale set in [West Africa], where a girl is given up by her family, endures a very hard life, and, once set free, must find a way to heal and live forward." (Philadelphia Inquirer, included in Must-Read Books for Summer 2018)

"Recent favorites [at Mahogany Books in Washington, DC] include...award-winning novelist Bernice L. McFadden's forthcoming Praise Song for the Butterflies, about a nine-year-old West African girl sacrificed into religious servitude." (Vanity Fair, included in a feature on Mahogany Books)

©2018 Bernice L. McFadden (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Praise Song for the Butterflies a must read!

I was not sure how I would like this story at first. But once I started I could hardly stop listening to this young girl's tale and how much, although fictional characters, they really are alive! This is a story no young or old African American should miss! Truly our ancestral and cultural struggles are linked. It is also a story of courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges!
This narrator is always so delightful, and inviting the way she soothes you with her voice, but picks up intricate details in her speech!! Excellent! Of course I have read a number of this author's books before audible and she is a dynamic writer!

Great book-Don’t listen at work

I am never disappointed by A book from Bernice McFadden and this was no exception. My only problem was that I listened to it at work and between me yelling out OMG and crying periodically I think my coworkers think I’ve lost my mind.

Beautifully written & delivered

Enjoyed this book very much. Hard to hear the middle section as although this is fiction it is real, in all kinds of ways, for so many in our world even now. I felt joy, alongside and for Abeo as, little by little, she allowed the sunshine back into her mind and heart.
The narration was perfect. I absolutely loved the voices from the beginning to the end.

Searing!

I've been waiting all summer for this audiobook's release. Bernice McFadden is one of my favorite writers. She's a master of spare language; of the sharp detail that will unravel a tale as dark as any in the news. The image of a peanut rolling up to a yellow flip-flop and catalyses dreadful action is burned into my mind's eye.

"Praise Song" is in the expert hands of narrator Robin Miles and I can hardly think of anyone who could relate each character's flaws and troubles, as well as tenderness, with so much grace.

Tangled Earbuds 58

Love Bernice McFadden stories she is a master story teller. That never disappoints. This was a very enlightening, never heard of Tokosi shrines and the horrendous abuse of young African girls. This story broke my heart but I had a hopeful ending for the protagonist. Robin Miles is excellent as always as the narrator.

Beautifully written story of a horrendous situation.

I love this book even though I cried through the entire story. My heart breaks for the Butterflies of this story.

Amazing story, title makes perfect sense

Bernice McFadden!!!! The journeys you take us on, the way in which your works cause us to evolve in our own lives!!!!

I truly felt this story, I saw the story play out as I listened to Robin Miles work her narrative magic.

This is a book to be read more than once as so many ideas about the rightness of life are challenged!!!

If I had a book club this would be read immediately!!!
This book touched my soul in a way that The Bluest Eye did many moons ago.....

The God of your understanding, perfect!

Some books change your life, validate your life, challenge your life, expand your life.

All of the above.

She Did It Again

Another thoughtful, engaging, and well-researched novel by McFadden! I love the way she brings you into the story until you're on the edge of your seat with anticipation and unwilling to turn the audio off. The ending is a little cheesy, but you want so much for this poor protagonist to have the happiness she deserves that it's excusable. Also, Robin Miles is the queen of voices. Great job, ladies!

Amazing story

Beautiful account of a terrible tradegy. Written with love for Africa and it's stories, read with Grace and purpose. Thank you.

Heart Wrenching!

My bookclub selected this novel for this month, and although I loved the narrative it was heart wrenching. I weeped for all the women and girls in this story, caught in a culture that sees women as second class citizens and sexual objects to be used and abused for the pleasure of men, who see themselves as gods. I tried to remember that the cultural practices discussed in this book are not that of my own, but as I woman it opened my eyes to what women world wide may experience. Please note, that while the women experience the greatest of injustices, they are also the saviors! Grab your tissues ladies, you'll need them.