The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo

Synopsis

A lyrical and moving tale of a young boy growing up in Africa, and his lifelong friendship with a white lion.

“All my life I’ll think of you, I promise I will. I won’t ever forget you.”

Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.

Review

I love short stories, especially those written by Michael Morpurgo. The simple and easy style of writing he uses, makes every word a delight to read. The gentle flow and perfect pace draws you in so you can settle down, beneath the covers for an ideal bedtime read no matter what your age.

The butterfly lion is a wonderfully atmospheric story, that takes you on a journey with the turn of every page. The clarity of description in the minds eye of his readers paints a picture so vivid you almost believe you're there, from the radiating warmth of the African sun, to the blistering chill of an English hillside, you embark on an adventure few would struggle to enjoy. For those of you that have read or even know of this authors writing, it is clear whom his intended target audience is. The quality of writing however, makes each and every story accessible to us all.

Our protagonist in this story although seemingly young and naïve, carries the momentum of the narrative with the sophistication worthy of any adult. His inquisitive exploration of the story within a story, allows the reader to discover its plot at the same time as himself. The switching of narrator for the telling of the story, allows readers the pleasure of experiencing a joyful intrigue in the that events that unfold. I had a genuine feeling of sitting with a grandparent listening to a story from years past, with the excitement and enthusiasm of a child in awe. It is so easy to fall in love with each and every character in the story. Every person is so well-rounded and developed that there can be no question of their existence. Even that of the animals. The development of the friendships not only between animal and boy, but also the boy with others is beautifully crafted and heartwarming truthful.

With each story by this author that I read, whether intended or not it has an educational value. Whether it be the time it is set in, or the experiences of the characters within the story, you can't help but feel that you've learnt something new. The experiences of the horrors and turmoils of war, seem to be of particular interest. This story gives a new perspective, in that it only serves as a backdrop not a plot point. The mental image of a young boy in the country, separated from the life he knows for the preservation of his life is distinct and meaningful. This concept in itself is worthy of a story, but I'm sure in his library it is somewhere addressed in its own right but then I am sure to the surprise of most we are taken elsewhere on an expedition of beauty. The decision to close the story with that same boy, but now a man distinguished by age and experience is a stunning conclusion. It provides an end that is befitting its content, giving the reader the closure they crave for the lives of characters.

So to conclude this short but yet I hope concise review, I am delighted to give this book an overwhelmingly decisive five stars. I recommend this book without reservation to any age group. But may I suggest, that you pick it up with a warming cup of your favourite beverage in front of the fire with all that makes you content. Settle in for a voyage into the imagination of your inner child and rest assured there is not a single word that will disappoint.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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