As Europeans we forgot or have no idea of the lives of South Americans and why so many flee to the USA. This novel makes it very clear the human cost of lawlessness and gun culture and their impact on the most vulnerable in society.

It is notable that the only adults in the village are grandparents and the men are all in gangs. One explanation we are given is from a boy who tells how he was kept alive only to join the gang otherwise he would die. A horrid choice, luckily he escaped. It is reminiscent of Apartheid, which is the best documented for us to understand the life laid out for Juan Pablo.

Almost all in Juan Pablo's village have run away from the threat of a gang's arrival. Only he and his best friend, Rocio, remain with one grandparent each, who is to ill to leave.

In a bid to get away he accidentally poisons the gang members. Ensue a mad scramble to escape for the teenagers on thier own. Both. Grandparents having passed away. they are guided only by butterflies and JP's grandmother's teachings.

Follow them as they strive to find refuge with her mother and his father in America.

This is a must read for all to understand the plight of those who are still oppressed in this modern age of enlightenment.

I could not put it down but when I did I was reluctant to find out what the next crisis was. Well worthy of reading and debating the cost of conflict and instability around the world.

This was beautifully written and the beliefs conveyed in a very sensitive way. An understanding of Mexican life through JP's memories of his grandmother's teaching is enlightening for the reader.

I was given the novel free by netgalley.com for my fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I found myself rooting for Juan to get away from the drug cartels. My kind of story!

This jewel of a novel was quite the surprise for me. I didn't know what to think before reading it and had put it aside a few times before starting to read it. The writing was amazing and raw. I felt for Juan Pablo and Rocio as they ran from the drug cartels. I am so glad that I finally got around to reading this!