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The Butterfly Man
The Butterfly Man is a novel written by George Barr McCutcheon. The story revolves around a young and wealthy American, Anthony Hamilton, who is on a trip to Europe. He meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Paula, who captures his heart. However, she disappears without a trace, leaving him heartbroken.Years later, Anthony returns to Europe and meets a man known as the Butterfly Man. The Butterfly Man is an enigmatic figure who is known for his ability to capture rare and exotic butterflies. As Anthony gets to know the Butterfly Man, he discovers that he may hold the key to finding Paula.The novel is a romantic adventure that takes readers on a journey through Europe, from the streets of Paris to the lush gardens of Italy. It explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. McCutcheon's vivid descriptions of the settings and characters bring the story to life, making it a captivating read for anyone who loves a good romance or adventure novel.1910. The American newspaperman and novelist begins his The dinner was being given by Mrs. Cortlandt Trend; that, in itself, was sufficient proof of its smartness if not entirely establishing its excellence along another line. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1910
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 10, 2021
Sedgewick Blynn is a butterfly man - he's beautiful, ornamental, and utterly useless as he flits from person to person in his efforts to become one of the elite. He's a thoroughly despicable character, ending the short (121 pages) novel having failed to learn his lesson - because a butterfly is, after all, the end stage of the insect's life. Rather than this making the book depressing, however, it functions as a snapshot of the fact that Sedgewick and his ilk are by no means a recent development in humanity; it's just that today instead of pretend financiers, they may be social media influencers or something similar. McCutcheon's book is an exercise in "the more things change, the more they stay the same," and if it isn't as sparkling or witty as most of his other shorter, decorated novels, it's perhaps one that holds up better in the scheme of things.
May 31, 2015
Most of George Barr McCutcheon’s shorter works are humorous and snappy. This one is an exception.
The phrase “show, not tell” came to mind frequently throughout this novella. Many third-person paragraphs do nothing but *tell* the reader about the main character, namely Sedgewick. It’s a bit like listening to someone you don’t know too well telling you about someone you don’t know at all. If they author had thought to dramatize some of Sedgewick’s past activities the narrative wouldn’t have been so tedious.
Occasionally we have one of the secondary characters revealing, in long stretches of dialogue, more details about Sedgewick, which again is *telling* – and boring. In fact at times this reads like a dull synopsis.
It’s not all bad, hence my rating this two stars instead of one. A few humorous scenes, plus a couple that arouse sympathy, manage to save this lifeless tale. Lack of sympathy is one of the biggest problems here. I felt some towards Sedgewick’s mother, though she doesn’t appear much, and also towards a four-year-old girl who only appears for about half a page.
This author is capable of good things, but this isn’t one of them.
The phrase “show, not tell” came to mind frequently throughout this novella. Many third-person paragraphs do nothing but *tell* the reader about the main character, namely Sedgewick. It’s a bit like listening to someone you don’t know too well telling you about someone you don’t know at all. If they author had thought to dramatize some of Sedgewick’s past activities the narrative wouldn’t have been so tedious.
Occasionally we have one of the secondary characters revealing, in long stretches of dialogue, more details about Sedgewick, which again is *telling* – and boring. In fact at times this reads like a dull synopsis.
It’s not all bad, hence my rating this two stars instead of one. A few humorous scenes, plus a couple that arouse sympathy, manage to save this lifeless tale. Lack of sympathy is one of the biggest problems here. I felt some towards Sedgewick’s mother, though she doesn’t appear much, and also towards a four-year-old girl who only appears for about half a page.
This author is capable of good things, but this isn’t one of them.
August 4, 2016
The Butterfly Man is the 14th novel by George Barr McCutcheon. Set in circa 1900s America this is the tale of Sedgewick Blynn who fancies himself as quite the ladies man and presents himself as a successful business man.
Written & published in 1910 the primary mode of transportation is the street car, telephones aren't always reliable and the telegram service is still in full swing.
As the novel unfolds we learn Sedgewick isn't the man he outwardly presents himself and the story follows his failure as a businessman, increasing deception, crumbling friendships and manipulation of young ladies.
Nothing earth shattering, but a pleasant, albeit short, novel to read.
Written & published in 1910 the primary mode of transportation is the street car, telephones aren't always reliable and the telegram service is still in full swing.
As the novel unfolds we learn Sedgewick isn't the man he outwardly presents himself and the story follows his failure as a businessman, increasing deception, crumbling friendships and manipulation of young ladies.
Nothing earth shattering, but a pleasant, albeit short, novel to read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews