Kindle
$3.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$13.89
Paperback
$4.60
Kindle Price: $3.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $21.88

Save: $14.39 (66%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Mary Alice Monroe
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Butterfly's Daughter Kindle Edition

by Mary Alice Monroe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,349 ratings
See all formats and editions
Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of the Lowcountry Summer trilogy, once again touches hearts with her lyrical, poignant, and moving novel The Butterfly’s Daughter!

Every year, the monarch butterflies—las mariposas—fly more than two thousand miles on fragile wings to return to their winter home in Mexico. Now Luz Avila makes that same perilous journey south as she honors a vow to her beloved abuela—the grandmother who raised her—to return her ashes to her ancestral village. As Luz departs Milwaukee in a ramshackle old VW Bug, she finds her heart opened by a series of seemingly random encounters with remarkable women. In San Antonio, however, a startling revelation awaits: a reunion with a woman from her past. Together, the two cross into Mexico to await the returning monarchs in the little village Abuela called home, but they are also crossing a border that separates past from present . . . and truth from lies.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    402 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Gallery Books
  5. Publication date
    May 3, 2011
  6. File size
    3686 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Luz Avila's mother abandoned her when she was a very young child to be raised by her grandmother, who she calls Abuela. When Luz is a grown woman, Abuela insists on making a trip to her home village, Angangueo, in Mexico, where the monarch butterflies migrate each year, but Luz is reluctant to interrupt her life. Abuela dies before they can make the trip, and Luz, tormented by regrets, decides to make the journey with Abuela's ashes, driving from Milwaukee to Mexico, following the path of the butterflies. Along the way, Luz meets extraordinary women who transform her: a tough but gentle young girl scarred by life; a free-spirited wanderer; a prim and proper woman who has lost opportunities. Arriving in San Antonio, Tex., to find her aunt, Luz meets her mother, who she had always believed dead. Now Luz must face her mother's reappearance in her life and get her grandmother's ashes to Mexico for the Day of the Dead. Monroe (Time Is a River) has succeeded, in her third novel, in taking a straightforward coming-of-age story and adding a Mexican twist to it, but the characters are stock and the outcome predictable, though readers who take comfort in knowing what comes next will not be disappointed. (May)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Review

“In The Butterfly’s Daughter, Mary Alice Monroe gives us a novel that, like the monarch butterfly, has a plentitude of beauty and wonder. Luz Avila is a character we cheer on as she makes her journey from Wisconsin to Mexico and, equally, toward knowledge and forgiveness.”
—Ron Rash, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Serena

"Monroe, known for her environmental fiction (The Beach House; Sweetgrass), skillfully incorporates lore about the monarch butterflies into a rich novel about generations and tradition. This book, filled with unusual female characters, is highly recommended for book clubs and readers of women's fiction."
- Library Journal

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003VPWYOQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books; Reprint edition (May 3, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 3, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3686 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 402 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,349 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Mary Alice Monroe

Mary Alice Monroe

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe found her true calling in environmental fiction when she moved to coastal South Carolina. Already a successful author, she was captivated by the beauty and fragility of her new home. Her experiences living in the midst of a habitat that was quickly changing gave her a strong and important focus for her novels.

Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels, published worldwide, and the author of two children’s picture books. She writes richly textured stories that delve into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the parallels between the land and life.

Monroe has achieved many lists, including the New York Times, USA Today and SIBA and starred reviews. She has received numerous awards, including several Readers’ Choice Awards, RT Lifetime Achievement Award, the Girls Scouts of America Woman of Distinction Award, the 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing and was featured at the National Festival of the Book, the 2008 International Book Award for Green Fiction for The Butterfly’s Daughter, the 2015 Florida Book Festival Distinguished Author Award, and the ASPCA Henry Bergh award for Children’s Fiction. Monroe’s A Lowcountry Christmas won the 2017 Southern Prize for Fiction. Her novel, The Beach House, was adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring three-time Golden Globe nominee Andie MacDowell, Minka Kelly, and Chad Michael Murray. In 2018 Mary Alice Monroe was inducted into the South Carolina Literary Hall of Fame.

Mary Alice is an active conservationist and serves on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium and The Leatherback Trust. She is a frequent speaker at book festivals, conferences, and private events. Monroe is also a frequent contributor to magazines and online blogs.

Mary Alice Monroe is published by Gallery Books and Aladdin Books, Simon & Schuster. Her agent is Faye Bender of The Book Group.

Monroe lives with her family on Isle of Palms, a barrier island off Charleston, South Carolina. For additional information, go to www.maryalicemonroe.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
1,349 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

AvidReader
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story of loss, discovery, forgiveness and family.
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
With a bonus lessons on Monarch Butterflies. All set around a young woman, Luz, and her grandmother who raised her. Upon the grandmother’s sudden death, Luz decides to return grandmother’s ashes to her ancestral home in the mountains of Mexico. There are a number of serious issues dealt with along the journey including domestic violence, drug addiction and abandonment - all handled by strong unlikely women from different sectors of society. I got lost in the story and didn’t want it to end.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Doris Cauda
4.0 out of 5 stars Her Determination Overcame All Obstacles
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2014
Verified Purchase
I bought this book because it was the only one of Mary Alice Monroe's books that I didn't read. But, once started, I couldn't put it down. Luz is a Mexican-American who had a German father. She was raised by her loving Grandmother who felt it was time to take a trip from Milwaukee where they lived to San Antonio and on to Mexico in time to celebrate the Day of the Dead and see the Monarch butterflies arrive. When her Grandmother passes away, Luz is determined to take her Grandmother's ashes to Mexico as she wanted. Along the way, she meets some funny, sad and quirky people but she just keeps going. She meets long-lost family and others. In the end, she gets to Mexico in time to bury her Grandmother's ashes and see where thousands of migrating Monarch butterflies finally arrive. There's more to this story involving her mother but I don't want to give the whole story away. It's an uplifting tale of love, forgiveness and trust.
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
The Spoiler
5.0 out of 5 stars Flying With the Butterflies
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2011
Verified Purchase
I am a huge, huge Mary Alice Monroe fan since Beach House, I went to a used bookstore and got every book she had written before that and have eagerly awaited all her books since then. I really do not know how she can weave family dynamics and nature into wonderful, enthralling novels, but she does and does it well. I learn so much about nature from her books, she is truly amazing. The only book I have ready by Mary Alice that I really didn't get into was "Last Light Over Carolina", it wasn't a bad book, just not my fav.

Luz is at the same time likeable and irratating...I suppose like a lot of young people, however, Abuela (grandma) has never let her down and has raised her single handedly from early childhood, so what was the problem of them going to Mexico. MONEY!!! Luz doesn't think they have enough, Abuela has faith enough to see them thru. Abuela dies suddenly and Luz then decides to take the trip to follow the Monarch Butterflies on their epic journey home.

You learn what happenend to Luz's mother, Abuela's other daughter, the rest of the family, the quirkie characters that Luz forms an attachment to, but most of all you learn about the monarchs and the coming of age of Luz. The power of family that essentially ties us to one another. In Mexico Luz learns more than just about the monarchs, she learns a valuable lesson about family, love and forgiveness. I learned those lessons as well.

I'm not going to give away the plot, but a downer for me was learning about Luz's mother and in true Forrest Gump style, that's all I have to say about that.

Cannot wait for Mary Alice's next novel.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kathy Davila
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
I just love this book! It is beautiful, a wonderful view of the Mexican culture. It is wonderfully written, with a great plot. People will fall in love with Luz, in her journey across America down to Mexico. The monarch butterfly almost becomes even a stronger symbol of perseverance after someone has read this book. I love it and really recommend it for someone who is wanting a good book about friendship, or wanting to see glimpses of Mexican culture. Enjoy!
Helpful
 Report
juicegirl
3.0 out of 5 stars The Butterfly's Daughter
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
The Butterfly's Daughter was on the List to read/discuss for Book Club. It is a romantic story and a light read; yet, gives its reader details of Monarch Butterflies' annual migration from the U. S. to Mexico. Ms. Monroe uses the migration as a metaphor for the life of the young heroine, a young single woman who works and lives with her grandmother in Milwaukee, WI. Due to a vast age difference, I had a bit of difficulty relating to this heroine. However, glad I pushed on, and discovered the fascinating information revealed about the Monarchs.
I would recommend this book to a reader, perhaps of Senior high school or early college age.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
K. scheulin
5.0 out of 5 stars Mary Alice Monroe is my favorite author. I don't really care for romance novels ...
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Mary Alice Monroe is my favorite author. I don't really care for romance novels so when I read about this book, which was the first of hers I read, I fell in love with the story line. I've read each and everyone of her books and love that she writes primarily about the east coast and always about women's relationships, mothers and daughters, grandmothers, sisters and friends. Books about women and their love for one another and the earth that feeds their souls. Even though this one was not written about the coast it is about the relationship of Mother, Daughter, Grandmother and friends she meets along the way and following the migration of the Monarch is not only interesting and fascinating, it's enlightening as well. It's a great book for women of all ages, all of her books are. Give yourself a gift, buy this book, find a comfy place and enjoy.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Lin Milan
4.0 out of 5 stars A tale of self-discovery and forgiveness
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
I was attracted to this book because the story refers to the Monarch Butterfly. Monroe weaves a thoughtful tale around the metamorphosis and migration of this species as it relates to a number of people who evolve from the rut they are caught in. The main character sets out to go to her ancestral village in Mexico where the Monarchs stay for the winter. Along the road are many detours in the journey. She meets and helps some very different people to find their way in life. But ultimately, she must confront the unforgivable, when she comes face to face with the mother she thought had died many years before.
Helpful
 Report
L
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifull written story...
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
A beautifully written story about love, loss, forgiveness, growth and transformation of a young woman and the journey through it all. I had a hard time putting this book down when I read it previously, on loan from my aunt, and decided I wanted a copy of my own.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite different from Monroe's other books
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
An interesting and insightful tale of cultures and personalities.
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
I was not familiar with this writer before but the story totally moved me. A gentle and very touching book. Each character is endearing and what I learned along the way about the migration of the butterflies was fascinating. A book that can be read by all ages.
Report
Alissa Dem
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Love this
Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
Fasting shipping. Great book. Love this author
Report
Janne Switzer
4.0 out of 5 stars A story about a journey of motherly love, sorrow
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Interesting story about a Mexican American family of women and an association they have with the life cycle of Monarch Butterflies. A story about a journey of motherly love, sorrow, joy, penitence and reverence all woven within the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly. Its a good read, Monroe 's descriptions are intriguing. The audiobook version plays for 12 hours and so cannot be reasonably listened to in one sitting. The narrator has a pleasant voice aptly suited to the telling of this story.
Report
Tony Austen
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2015
Verified Purchase
story line was unique.
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report