**Before We Were Free [2002] – ★★★★**

Julia Alvarez's Before We Were Free is a captivating and moving coming-of-age story set in the Dominican Republic during the late 1950s dictatorship. The protagonist, Anita de la Torre, is just twelve years old, but she has already witnessed the sudden disappearances of her family members and the terrifying raids by the secret police on her home. Alvarez delicately balances the joys and sorrows of Anita's late childhood, including her first love and early teenage insecurities, with the external tragedy and the experience of a world falling apart due to random acts of violence. The book is short and easy to read, although it does lose some of its momentum in the middle and fails to offer any truly fresh insights by the end.

One of the remarkable aspects of Before We Were Free is that it is based on the author's personal account. Alvarez was born in the US and then taken to live in the Dominican Republic. She fled the country at the age of ten when her father participated in a failed plot to overthrow the dictator. In the book, Alvarez imagines a girl of twelve, Anita, who finds herself in a similar situation. Anita's uncle has vanished, there are strange sightings in the abandoned house next door, and she befriends the son of an American Ambassador, Sam Washburn. Reading Anita's account is particularly interesting because, despite the difficulties her family faces, she is still a young girl with a childish world view, just on the cusp of adolescence. Despite the forced disappearances and the activities of the secret police in her region, Anita wants to do well in school and be liked by the boys she fancies. In this sense, Alvarez is masterful in blending Anita's childhood/early teenage sense of wonder with the horrific reality that exists outside her home. We often only hear rumors of the terrible things happening because we see the world through Anita's eyes, who is often confined to her house. However, these hints and rumors are sufficient for us to form a general picture of the ruthless dictatorship and the violent persecutions that are taking place outside Anita's safe haven.

The paradox of the book is that Anita says more when she says less. We can understand her inner feelings through the topics she chooses to focus on. Anita fears that her older sister Lucinda will be forcibly taken by the dictator, who has already expressed his interest in her. She also has to be cautious not to reveal the secrets of her family to anyone, such as the fact that her uncle may be nearby. As the possibility of her family escaping to the United States to live free lives looms, Anita realizes that she must grow up quickly and face her responsibilities.

Before We Were Free reads like a YA novel, and in a sense, it is. However, it contains a powerful message that is also relevant to adult audiences. It deals with very serious issues, as seen through the eyes of a child/teenage girl. If the book feels personal, it is because it is - almost entirely so. It is easy to sympathize with Anita's vulnerability, innocence, and her desire for happiness when external forces prevent her from developing and leading the life she wants. Children often experience the effects of conflict and trauma more acutely than adults, and they are more sensitive to everything happening around them. They have to learn by observing others, and when they see fear and distress on their parents' faces, they experience much more than their parents realize. In this sense, Anita's focus on her boy crushes may be her way of trying to concentrate on something other than the grim reality outside, rather than just the typical urges of a teenage girl.

But Before We Were Free is also a book about hope and the importance of never losing it. It is through the strength we find in others that we can also find the courage to face difficult situations. In an interview, the author stated that "Robert Desnos, a French poet who died in a concentration camp, once said that the task of being a human being was 'not only to be one's self, but to become each other'. That is what compassion and freedom are all about." We should not be complacent or indifferent to the pain of others and only react when trouble affects us. Otherwise, we would all be isolated islands, thinking only of ourselves and not connecting emotionally with others who are in need of help.

Before We Were Free

I wholeheartedly recommend this book titled "Before We Were Free" to everyone. The reason is that it boasts a truly unique plotline that sets it apart from the rest. The story is filled with a diverse cast of interesting characters and vivid settings that draw you in from the very beginning. It has this addictive quality that makes you keep turning the pages, eager to discover what unfolds next. The events throughout the story are not only fascinating but also filled with suspense, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat.

I'm not quite done reading this book yet, but I'm getting close to the ending. I find myself relating deeply to the character Anita. Just like her, I have a caring nature towards my family and friends. At times, I too can be a bit childish and clueless about my surroundings. The plot's suspense is palpable, with new and unexpected events popping up constantly, making me desperate to see the outcomes. The theme of the book is exceptionally well-developed. It avoids the common clichés that many other stories fall into, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective.

Personally, this book has evoked a sense of sadness in me. It is filled with numerous sad events that make you stop and think about how you would feel in such situations. Especially considering that the main character Anita is around my age, it makes the story even more relatable and impactful. From this book, I have learned an important lesson - one should always be brave and have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right. This has completely changed the way I think about history and the horrors of dictatorship. The idea of having all that power concentrated in one person's hands is truly terrifying and makes you realize the importance of freedom and justice.

Did I read this just because it was short and I could fit it in before the month ended? Maybe.

However, it is truly poignant and compelling for middle grade/younger readers. In the same way that Anne Frank's diary was for me as a kid, it tells the story of a girl in a world far more corrupted, unsafe, and terrifying than any child should ever have to experience. (This one is set in the Dominican Republic and is based on the author's own life!)

Also, did anyone else go through a major World War Two reading phase as a kid? I read an enormous amount about the Holocaust, survivors, and that time period. Looking back, it seems rather bizarre. But at the same time, I'm extremely grateful for the awareness and empathy that those stories instilled in me at a young age. It's amazing how literature can have such a profound impact on our lives and shape our understanding of the world around us. ❤️‍

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is an outstanding literary work that offers a captivating reading experience. The book's unique perspective, told from the eyes of a child, makes it highly relatable and accessible. Set in both the Dominican Republic and New York, it weaves a tale of realistic fiction that explores the lives of the main characters, Papi, Mami, Tio Toni, and Anita, the youngest sibling who serves as the narrator. Anita's two other siblings, Mundin and Lucinda, also play significant roles throughout the story.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are given a vivid portrayal of life in the Dominican Republic and the importance of family. The title, Before We Were Free, takes on a deeper meaning as we witness the characters' struggles and the events that shape their lives. At first glance, the book may seem like an easy read, but upon closer inspection, it reveals the author's skill in incorporating small and subtle details that add depth and complexity to the story. For example, on page 93, Anita's first kiss with Oscar can be interpreted in multiple ways, not just as a simple change of emotions but also in the context of the book's themes.

While I appreciate how Julia Alvarez made Anita the narrator, I do wish there had been more diverse perspectives. As a child, Anita is still learning and trying to make sense of the world around her, and this limited perspective can sometimes leave readers feeling a bit distanced from the story. Later on, when we have a better understanding of the events and want to be more fully engaged, it would have been beneficial to have the author alternate between different viewpoints. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to look beyond its simplicity and discover the profound message it conveys. It is suitable for readers from 6th grade and up, although younger readers may not fully grasp the magnitude of the story. This book does not feel like a typical school assignment but rather a captivating free read that keeps you eager to turn the pages.

Wow... This is truly amazing.

Here we have a Young Adult (YA) book that delves into the fascinating and often overlooked topic of living under the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic.

The Trujillo regime was a dark period in the country's history, marked by dictatorship, oppression, and fear.

This YA book has the potential to bring this important historical era to life for a new generation of readers.

It can offer insights into the daily struggles, the hopes, and the dreams of the people who lived through those times.

By reading this book, young readers can gain a better understanding of the impact of political unrest and dictatorship on individuals and society as a whole.

It can also serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for freedom, justice, and human rights.

Overall, this YA book about living under the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic is a remarkable and valuable addition to the world of literature.

The story was truly remarkable.

It was very well-written, allowing the readers to clearly witness the growth and development of Anita.

Her actions, words, and thoughts all painted a vivid picture of her transformation.

It was fascinating to observe how naïve she was at the beginning, yet gradually came to understand everything as the story progressed.

Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships at such a young age, Anita managed to rise above it all.

Her journey was one of perseverance and determination, which served as an inspiration to all who read about her.

It was a pleasure to follow her story and see how she evolved into a stronger and more confident person.

Overall, it was a beautifully crafted narrative that left a lasting impression.

3.5

It is impossible for a book with the annotations of a beloved person not to be, in some way, a beloved book as well. Even though I may have criticisms.

This is because the annotations left by that special person add a unique layer of meaning and connection to the book. They can offer insights, personal reflections, or even just a simple note that makes the reader feel closer to the one who wrote them.

Each annotation becomes a little piece of that person's story, intertwined with the words of the book. It is as if the book has become a shared space, a place where the thoughts and emotions of both the author and the annotator coexist.

So, even if there are aspects of the book that I might not fully agree with or find fault in, the presence of those precious annotations makes it impossible for me not to hold the book in a special regard. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the way in which our relationships can transform the most ordinary of things into something truly extraordinary.

In the novel Before We Were Free, this captivating Drama/Thriller takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the peaks and valleys of Anita De La Torre’s life. The author, Julia Alvarez, is a familiar name as she has previously shared her own experience of immigrating to the U.S. She also lived in the Dominican Republic as a young girl and quickly realized that the United States wasn't all she had dreamed of. Anita begins as a young girl who admires the dictator of her country, the Dominican Republic. However, by the end, she learns and understands that she was, in a way, responsible for the assassination of El Jefe. Julia Alvarez clearly conveys the story of a family in distress, striving to make things better.

It was difficult for me to fully empathize with this book as I have never been in the situation of having to leave my home country for what I perceive as "freedom." In this book, we encounter many themes, starting from Anita’s maturity, to the possible surrogate parent in Chucha with her valuable advice, and Anita's hopes and dreams of one day being free, made possible by the sacrifice of her father. One quote that caught my attention was on page 155, where the author wrote, “To mourn and to celebrate those who gave their lives for all of us.” I believe Julia was trying to show us that although Anita initially didn't feel truly free, she was still grateful for everything her father did and pondered the question, what is Freedom?

A connection that can be made to today's world is the influx of illegal immigrants coming into our country in search of better opportunities. While they may not be fleeing a vicious dictator, they are still seeking to be "free." But what does this mean? Is freedom just an illusion that U.S. citizens are told, perhaps not even true? Anita made me think about this when she questions whether immigrating to the U.S. truly makes her free. I think she understands that her dad sacrificed his life for her to be in the United States without the fear of a dictator, yet she constantly feels under the microscope because of her appearance. As an illegal immigrant, it makes me wonder, was the assassination worth it?

From my perspective, Julia Alvarez has made this book truly worthwhile. It has made me grow as a person and has compelled me to ask myself profound questions, which is exactly what I look for in a book. The author not only has a personal experience to share but also a story of her country to tell.

Anita de la Torre, the protagonist of the book, inhabited a world where the people she knew gradually vanished.

This state of affairs in the Dominican Republic not only disrupted her relationship with her father but also compelled her to lead a life fraught with perils.

The current president of the country desired to take young women for his own nefarious purposes. Anita, being one of the women whom the tyrannical president had targeted, became the cause for her family to be constantly harassed by the secret police.

Anita was faced with a difficult choice between the safety of her family and her own innocence. If I were in such a dilemma, I would prioritize my family's safety and submit myself to the president.

Fortunately, before anything unthinkable could occur, Anita was able to escape the Dominican Republic with the assistance of her relatives in the United States.

She left behind a world of fear and uncertainty, hoping for a new beginning in a land far away.

Her journey was not easy, but she was determined to make a better life for herself and her family.

Anita's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, courage, and the will to survive in the face of adversity.

As a middle school teacher, I am constantly on the lookout for books to enhance my classroom library.

This particular one is a beautiful story of historical fiction. It vividly portrays a family's arduous struggle under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.

The overall message it conveys is profound, revealing what it truly means to be free and soar in a world that seems to be against you.

Admittedly, I had some difficulties with the main character in the initial one-third of the novel. However, as the story progresses, she evolves into a character that you can't help but cheer for.

Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this book to those who have an interest in historical fiction, especially those on the younger side of the YA (Young Adult) spectrum. It offers not only an engaging narrative but also valuable insights into a significant period of history.

Set in the Dominican Republic under the rule of Trujillo, the story follows Anita, a 12-year-old girl who resides with her family on the island.

As the novel unfolds, Anita discovers the significant role her family plays in the attempt to overthrow the dictatorship and the enormous risks they undertake.

This is an excellent middle grade book that vividly portrays life under a brutal dictatorship and explores the true meaning of freedom.

It presents the history in a comprehensible manner, without softening the atrocities.

Designed for 7th grade summer reading, it offers young readers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into a dark period of history and understand the importance of standing up for what is right.

Anita's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice required to fight for freedom and justice.

Overall, this book is a must-read for any 7th grader looking to expand their knowledge and empathy.

Before We Were Free is a captivating historical fiction penned by Julia Alvarez. Julia Alvarez, a Dominican American novelist, was born in New York City. She spent 10 years in the Dominican Republic before her family immigrated to the United States. As Alvarez mentions in her Author's Note, this novel is based on her childhood experiences in the Trujillo-controlled Dominican Republic, as well as the experiences of her cousins and next-door uncle who were victims of SIM and Trujillo Jr.

The story's main character is 12-year-old Anita de la Torre, a Dominican girl attending an American school and living in a compound with the García family. Meanwhile, her father and uncle Toni, along with a group of people, were involved in an operation to overthrow Dominican Republic's dictator Trujillo. Anita remained unaware of this until SIM (Trujillo's Secret Police) invaded their house and Trujillo showed up at her sister Lucinda's birthday party. Later, although the operation to assassinate Trujillo was successful, his son didn't relinquish control and prosecuted every suspicious target potentially involved in the operation. Anita's father and uncle were captured, while her brother Mundín and sister Lucinda fled to the United States. Anita and her mom had to hide in the closet of the Mancini house, which were the worst days of her life.
The author excels at keeping readers engaged. Alvarez often leaves suspense at the end of each chapter, compelling readers to want to know more and continue reading. For example, during Lucinda's birthday party, at the end of the chapter, El Jefe suddenly arrives, surprising and worrying the family. As the story intensifies, readers are eager to find out what will happen next.
Another interesting technique employed by Alvarez is the use of Spanish words in the novel. These words are italicized for easy distinction. Although some readers may not understand these Spanish words, Alvarez usually provides explanations. These words not only stand out in the story but also offer a touch of cultural context.
The overarching theme of this book is Anita's maturation. Over the short one-year period covered in the book, Anita grows significantly. In the beginning, she believed Trujillo was the greatest leader and wanted to show bravery to earn his congratulations. She also naively thought she was in love with an American boy, Sam Washburn. However, due to the experiences she and her family endured, she becomes stronger and decides to write in her diary to let people know what happened in the Dominican Republic under dictatorship. At the end of the novel, she finally grasps the meaning of living free and is proud of what her father did for her family and the entire country.
I wholeheartedly recommend Before We Were Free to everyone. This book is both easy to read and engaging. It can be enjoyed simply for pleasure or studied as a fine piece of literature. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.