The Butterfly Month is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee.

Post-apartheid South Africa is in this instance chronicled by a young doctor, Joni, who has fled Holland to work in the emergency section of a large hospital. Joni’s days are rigid and controlled – she is unaffected by her work, despite the high proportion of patients who are victims of terrible crimes, and the high mortality rate. In addition to her self-imposed exile, Joni also denies herself food, love, sex and friendship. It is not until she connects in a meaningful way with her African housemaid Zanele, and her two children, that Joni’s reasons for leaving Holland become painfully clear.

This book is simply and beautifully written, and the first-person perspective drew me in straight away. This is a book about loss, and the extremes we are prepared to endure to prevent further loss. Both Joni and Zanele are fascinating, credible characters, and their respective stories are told in gradual flashbacks, without self-pity.

The Butterfly Month was translated from Dutch, and the translator has done a marvellous job; the story is clear, strong and seamless.