Review: Started as a teenage crush, but became lesson for a life time
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 4, 2012
Set in the mid nineties "From the Chyrsalis" by Karen E. Black is a story of Falling in love and other challenges associated with it. In real life Karen (the author) work as a reference librarian which I might say not just made this novel more appealing but also historically enriched. The Kingston Penitentiary Riot is at the core of this romance book.Liza is fourteen, fascinated with butterflies is like a free spirit but contained, shy, and a normal teen none the less (while I don't recall any teen being normal), Liz is a what you might call a good girl, she fancies Dace. Dace Devereux is her cousin, but every bit opposite to what Liz is. He is what society calls a bad influence, and is on his way to prison for manslaughter. Though Dace is not "Mr. Perfect in every aspect" but he is good at heart, he loves Liza and he prefers to die rather than betraying a friend. Dace's character got that depth, which makes you want to know more about him and as it happens author actually did provide us with lots of info on him.Now you might be wondering if this book is about love between Liza and Dace, while dace is in prison how do they maintain their relationship... well did you guess it yet? If not, don't sweat it. Without giving out too much I can at least tell you that they write each other love letters. Their attraction which started as a crush over time becomes an obsession.Book also features some beautiful stanzas like this one:It was many and many a year ago,In a kingdom by the sea,That a maiden there lived whom you may knowBy the name of Annabel Lee;And this maiden she lived with no other thoughtThan to love and be loved by me.*[Poe, Edgar Allen, "Annabel Lee"]This book shows lot of ups and downs in both protagonists life. There are places when it's better if you have tissue paper near. The story is compelling and will certainly keep you hooked too. Book looks at the prospects like, what changes can you make in your life by hardworking and on the other hand despite all this hardworking how 'Fate' determines what your life's going to be.So a story which starts as a teenage crush to a lesson for a life time. with 4 of 5 stars, this book is a must read.