Synopsis
After a single sexual encounter, Chris Marshall falls madly in love with Jenny, a young woman he does not know. Wandering the streets, never coming face to face, each becomes involved with Barry Miller, a small time crook with Edward Carson, a convicted murderer, on his trail. These four spiral around each other until the savage climax when Jenny is gunned down in a case of mistaken identity.
This was Philip Pullman's first book for younger audiences, which won him critical acclaim from many sources. Like much of his writing, it focuses on the truth and false appearances. The novel is known as The Butterfly Tattoo in the UK.
Publishers Weekly
In a starred review, PW called this menacing tale of doomed lovers "a modern-day Shakespearean tragedy," with "evocative narrative and throat-tightening suspense"; graphic sex, moral ambiguity and a somber ending make it most suitable for mature YA readers. Ages 12-up. (July)