The Butterfly Lampshade: A Novel, Aimee Bender, author; Julia Whelan, narrator
As Francie tells her story, she goes back and forth in time to reveal some rather bizarre thoughts and behavior. As a very young child she experienced the trauma of her mother’s mental illness complete with psychotic episodes that require hospitalization. She seems more compassionate and wiser than her years regarding anticipating their occurrences. She too, however, seems to suffer from mental illness, but it was not as severe as her mother’s which required hospitalization and supervision for most of her life. She engages in some odd behavior and constantly seeks to introspectively analyze what she is doing. The family history reveals that mental illness has existed in previous generations.
When Francie is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle, she and their newborn child, Vicky, become like sisters and grow very close. Vicky actually helps to lead Francie out of the wilderness of dark thoughts she sometimes experiences. Occasionally, Vicky seems to also experience similar moments of unreality. Francie overcomes part of her mental illness using tools she herself creates to provide stability in her life. Her ability to reveal her needs to others and their ability to satisfy her needs kindly, keeps her tethered to the real world most of the time.
It is an interesting read because of how well the author has gotten into the heads of the characters. Their thoughts reveal the thin line that sometimes separates normal from abnormal ideas and behaviors. How Francie tailors her world and creates a life she can enjoy is the best part of the story.
On the other hand, I found it a bit repetitious as memories are repeated and explained in different ways. I also found it a bit confusing as it went back and forth in time.