I have mixed feelings about this book. The abundance of information about moths was overwhelming; I understand the literary purposes, and I recognize that the author is a documentary filmmaker, but I finally just had to skim those parts. Too much! Ironically, while I have decided that the main character and narrator has autism based on my years as an educator, and that this condition is integral to the plot, Poppy Adams chose to not use her background as a documentary filmmaker to provide insight or information. The word "autism" is never used, and a reader may not understand because I don't think that the clues are very obvious. More importantly, I think it paints a very unflattering portrait of people who have autism. The positive impact that Adams has for lepidoptery (study of moths) is canceled by the negative impact that she has on autism. Strange, odd, confusing - it's all that and more. But that shouldn't put you off. It's also entirely fascinating. The inner workings of an eccentric mind is a revelation.The family that this novel centres on are a classic old English family - the small town eccentrics with the big house and old money (that they generally run to ruin). Children are scared of these houses; the residents seemingly mad, rumours abound, and no one ever really knows the truth. I still feel like I haven't quite figured out Virginia (whose mind were are privileged to witness). There are a few questions I have left.Despite all the mystery, I can't say I was surprised by the ending.
Do You like book Behavior Of Moths (2000)?
Strange! I finished it and even by the end I didn't really know if I lked it or not!
—genevieve9225
Interesting family story full of gothic tropes. Good and dark.
—glindaalexandra
