Synopsis "A Sea of Butterflies"
This second novel by John M. Hooks, "A Sea of Butterflies" exposes the reader to the quiet, but devastating impact of racism and war on returning veterans of World War II. They were "The Greatest Generation", but for some, the adjustment to life after the war was impossible. The Book's beautiful, and simple prose drives a story that literally sucks the reader into this powerful story about the struggles of Charlie Campbell, one of many a returning veterans. The book is partially based on stories passed down by the author's Grandmother about life in the south prior to the great migration of blacks to the north. The author, as a teen ager wrote those stories on pages of his school notebooks. Many years later, after retiring from a career in substance abuse treatment, he skillfully blended his personal childhood observations of the veterans in his own family with his Grandmother's stories, and "A Sea of Butterflies" was born. At its heart, Butterflies easily exceeds all the requirements for a great book. It has all consuming, and realistic characters, including Nell, Charlie Campbell's niece and Jacob, the little cripple boy who loves to catch grasshoppers, and butterflies, and Bella, the mysterious young woman who feeds the homeless veterans. The storyline is compelling, and realistic; about love, sacrifice, and the protection of family. Finally, it has the third requirement for a great book. It has emotion, much of it raw and unpredictable. The story line is carried by Nell Campbell, a retired photojournalist. It has many twists and turns as she returns her uncle's ashes for burial in the rural south. It is a journey where she confronts her own family's southern roots, and comes to better understand the long-lasting power of drug addiction, love, and friendship. Ultimately, her journey leads her to discover the meaning of the whispers she overheard at home, while growing up as a child. Finally the trip leads her to the greatest story of her career. One she could never dare write, or publish.
