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Michael Whitworth
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The Camel and the Butterfly Kindle Edition

by Michael Whitworth (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 61 ratings
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Sometimes, an unexpected rumour on social media can change everything...

Ninety-year-old Thomas Mirren has always been happy with his usual, quiet routine. But when the story came out in the local newspaper that Thomas Mirren was a fraud, his quiet life became a little more interesting. To everyone.

Ian is tasked with writing a story about a military imposter in order to keep his job at the paper but everyone in town knows Thomas is an old soldier; they see him every November in the parade. Everyone, that is, except the national war records. Ian is torn between keeping his job and disrupting a kind old man’s life for the sake of filling a page in the newspaper.

When Ian’s daughter is hospitalised in a hit and run, suddenly, he finds himself questioning what truly matters in life. Sure, Ian hates his boss but is the job worth keeping if it means ruining someone else’s life? Does it truly matter if Thomas never served?

If perception becomes reality, does the truth even matter anymore? Well, it matters to Thomas and it looks like his past is about to catch up with him.

The Camel and the Butterfly is a heart-warming story of love, friendship, and one man’s undeniable strength of character.


“An absolute gem” – Bobs and Books blog, Top books for 2021

“A gorgeous story” – melissa_reads_books review

This literary fiction novel is available in ebook, paperback and audiobook.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    November 8, 2021
  5. File size
    1880 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HSWRTHM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cahill Davis Publishing (November 8, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 8, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1880 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1739801504
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 61 ratings

About the author

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Michael Whitworth

Michael Whitworth

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Michael is a former banker from Lancashire originally, and though he has travelled and lived in many different parts of the world, he still considers Lancashire his home.

At university, Michael studied Chinese language and after graduating, lived in Japan. Following a Masters in International Studies, he started a career in London, for the most part working in banking. He is now retired.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
61 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars My new favorite!
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
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I did not read the description nor did I read any of the reviews. I was drawn in by the title. I hesitated when I saw that the entire book was broken into sections and years of the different characters involved. Not my usual choice. But still the title encouraged me and I am so glad that it did. Such an expressive and well written story line that tied them all together even before I understood what was happening. I am looking forward to more from this author. HE is my new favorite!
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Ceye24
5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious, touching, and unforgettable!
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
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With bountiful servings of humor, charm, and warmth—as well as a boatload of prawn sandwiches—The Camel and the Butterfly swept me away, touching my heart while also breaking it at the same time. It is a tale of war, love, loss, and regret, and it boldly explores the meaning of courage and the importance of truth.

The first hero of our story is a 90-year-old man named Thomas Mirren, a widowed World War II veteran who spends his days selling poppies at the local supermarket and drinking with his buddies at various pubs (or bars, depending on what side of the ocean you’re on). However, it quickly becomes obvious that Mirren is far more than what folks perceive him to be.

The other hero is Ian Rogers, a journalist for the local newspaper—though over the course of the novel, his “hero” status is called into question by many, including himself. This is because he’s forced to write a story that may or may not be true . . . one branding Thomas Mirren as a military fraud. Journalistic integrity is something closely examined within the context of the story, and I salute Michael Whitworth for having the courage to take an honest look into that particular issue.

Rounding out the tableau is a brother and sister living hours away in France. They play a special role, which I won’t divulge here. You’ll have to find out for yourself.

Given the endearing characters, historical accuracy, originality, and overall vividness of Michael Whitworth’s tale, I wouldn’t dare rate it anything less than five stars. Whitworth’s style and craft are well polished, though there were weaker moments that could’ve been improved. The pace is slow at times, but personally I didn’t mind that.

In short, I highly recommend The Camel and the Butterfly, and I can’t wait to see what the author produces next!
7 people found this helpful
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Kris
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Charming, I simply fell in love with the main character
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
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I loved this book! The story is uplifting and engaging, and I found the historical aspect very interesting. The author is smoothly adept at balancing eras, as the story bounces from the present to tales of WW2 and the post war life of the main character. Wonderful, witty, sometimes sad and touching, this is a must read for anyone who would enjoy a good love story or hero adventure. The themes of love, sacrifice, and true friendship and what they mean to Thomas, the main character, and how he manifests them by his actions, truly made me believe in real life heroes without capes. I am a fan for life and will be looking forward to reading anything that Mr. Whitworth publishes next. Bravo!
4 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars If you can get past all the unrealistic aspects of this book, you might enjoy it.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2023
Unfortunately, I had to stop listening to this audiobook for two reasons:
90-year-olds aren’t sprightly and they don’t drink a ton of alcohol, their liver is can’t handle it.
I looked up the author and noticed that he’s not 90, so this is like a fairytale.
As someone old, I don’t appreciate writers, especially middle-aged or younger, having the hubris to think they know what life is like when you’re old. They don’t.
I’m sure the story is as good as many reviewers say it is, but the narration, which had a pause after every clause, was annoying and grating after a while.
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April
5.0 out of 5 stars Life and Lessons
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2022
This book comes together slowly and methodically, which is part of what makes it so very good. After Thomas Mirren catches to two teenagers stealing, their method of revenge is to tarnish his name. Thomas doesn’t care at all what people think about him .

Ian, determined to keep his job, begins to investigate the claims against Thomas, putting a spin on the story that isn’t supposed to identify Thomas.

Ian’s daughter, when she realizes who actually saved her and the connection to other events, decides to keep the secret of her rescuer’s identity.

Michel and Nicole owe their very lives to someone who acted bravely during the war, and have often wondered about the person who saved them and what happened to him.

The way all of these characters connect really leads the reader to wonder what truly is important in life. The reader also gets to contemplate truth and how a person’s perception of truth isn’t always the full story.

I loved the alternating viewpoints in this story. Michael Whitworth weaves the big story in small, independent parts that slowly come together as the big story. What truly matters at the end of the day really isn’t much at all, and Mr. Whitworth does a fabulous job of driving that point home. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it for readers looking for a unique story that slowly draws the reader in and delivers some wonderful lessons.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

DomB
5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly enjoyable first novel from this author
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2023
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My tastes are pretty eclectic, from crime and spy thrillers to vintage comedy, and although I have reliable favourite authors I am always open to new discoveries.
This book was a delight, a simple character-driven story about an elderly gentleman who may or may not be a war veteran, and the people whose lives intertwine with his. I read it in two sittings, as I straightaway was drawn into the characters’ lives and wanted to know how it ended.
The great thing about having varied reading tastes is always being open to new genres and authors.
I now have a new author to add to my list of favourites and hope to read many more from Mr Whitworth.
Highly recommended.
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SK Watts
5.0 out of 5 stars Thomas Mirren - War Hero or an imposter?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2022
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What a charming book! An unusual premise having a 90 year old as the major character. Thomas Mirren is nearing the end of his life but you get to find out why he lives his life as he does. What I particularly enjoyed was the relationships between the young and the old characters in this book and how they are all connected to each other in some way. I liked reading about Thomas Mirren when he was first introduced to his wife too. A warm and uplifting read about honour, truth, love and everlasting gratitude. I was also pleased to find out the meaning of this book's title. I may well have shed a tear or two along the way whilst reading this delightful book! A five star read!
One person found this helpful
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Terry
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2022
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What I particularly liked were the interconnections between characters, of different age groups and in different countries. We see how each person’s interpretation of the truth is not always the full story. The book looks at how we judge people without knowing anything about them. The main character, an old man with a rich history, tries to lead a normal life as the world shifts around him. That is endearing. We see how in the end the big things don’t matter; it’s the small personal events that count and the book does a great job in driving that point home. As the individual fragments come together we are finally shown the full picture. And what a picture it is. Highly Recommended
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Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars A journey of friendship
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2022
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A real page turner, read this book quicker than most due to the engaging friendships and curve of the story being told. Could not wait to find out what each character was doing next and how the story would develop and unfold.
Normally more of Non-Fiction reader, I particular enjoyed the moments of history taking me back to WW2 and what life must of been like for a person during the war.
A touching and warm book measured by the characters being brought to life through the lovely words and story written by Michael Whitworth.
Would highly recommend this book
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lushnumpty
5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful page turner!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2022
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What a great debut novel this is for Michael Whitworth. I really enjoyed how he wrote the individual yet linked chapters of the characters within the book. I could visualise all of them, a good measure of a great book for me. I forced myself to read this over several days so that I could savour every moment. I highly recommend this and look forward to reading many more of Michael’s books.
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