Based on a horrific true crime committed in Northern Ireland around 1900, the Butterfly Cabinet attempts to explain the motivation of wealthy Harriet Ormond in committing the worst of crimes. The story is told in two parts, through Harriet's prison diary and, seventy years later, through the recollections of Harriet's former employee, Maddie McGlade. It could hardly be a coincidence that both versions are recounted during periods of 'trouble' in the history of Ireland at large. The writing was smart and fast, but didn't succeed in arousing any sympathy, or even much understanding of, Harriet and her deeds.
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