Una Dulce Historia de Mariposas y Libelulas

Grade 5-8-Sierra i Fabra has crafted a poetic narrative around the minghun, or afterlife wedding, a Confucian-based belief still observed by some Chinese peasants. According to the manual of virtues, a young person who dies before getting married is condemned to eternal loneliness. This is why Qin, a poor and humble farmer, must leave his family and small village to embark on a journey across mountains and rivers to find a bride for his youngest son Zhai, who died when he was 12. During this journey, Qin learns about his inner strengths and weaknesses, and so do the family members he leaves behind, especially his wife, who rethinks the true meaning of their relationship, and love. The author artfully paints the characters' inner worlds by combining short, direct sentences with complex inner dialogue, making it possible for readers to empathize with each of the characters. Filled with poignant metaphors and symbolism, the narrative is occasionally regretful and sad, but more often, peaceful and self-assuring. A good choice for public and school libraries that cater to young adult readers interested in stories that will make them reflect on their relationships with others, and on the world around them.- Liliana Barro Zecker, Associate Professor, School of Education, DePaul Univ., Chicago, IL