This book seemed a bit disjointed. Who would be drawn to it?

Dominicans: Any Dominican family is likely to have had experiences related to the Trujillo regime, and thus would be intrigued by this account of its downfall.

Survivors of Dictatorships: In her afterword, Alvarez contends that the narrative is intended to represent the general experience of Latin American dictatorship. However, I'm not entirely convinced. The story appears to be specific to the Dominican Republic in ways that comparable tales by Graham Greene and Margarita Engle are not.

Girls: The initial quarter of the book, its weakest segment, read like a litany of girl book clichés - the glamorous older sister, the first infatuation, pondering menstruation. Once the book gains momentum, it is circumscribed by the limitations of women's roles in the Dominican Republic. While the men are off策划 a coup, the women remain at home and play canasta. I constantly wished I could follow the male characters rather than the more passive female ones.

Middle schoolers: The descriptions of torture and the implications of rape place this book beyond the comfort level of 6th graders, despite the text level suggesting otherwise.

I didn't glean a great deal from this book. Perhaps I would have held it in higher regard if I had a different background. My favorite aspects were the diary/closet section, Chucha, and the snowstorm at the conclusion.

The book "Before we were free" written by Julia Alvarez is an outstanding novel. The protagonist is a girl named Anita. Anita de la Torre didn't really think about her freedom when she lived in the Dominican Republic. However, by her 12th birthday in 1960, everything changed rapidly. Most of her relatives moved to the United States, and her Tío Toni disappeared without a trace. Moreover, the government's secret police (SIM) terrorized the only family she had left. This was because of her dislike of President El Jefe, which she had never known about before. "Now I'm really confused. I thought we liked El Jefe. His picture hangs in our front entryway with the saying below it: IN THIS HOUSE, TRUJILLO RULES" (Chapter 2 300). With the courage of her family, Anita overcame her fears and flew to freedom, leaving behind all that she once knew. But there also came a little adversity as the people she truly loved passed away. From the renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence and a girl's struggle to be herself and be free.

This book would be a truly lovely middle school precursor to some of Alvarez's adult fiction, such as In the Time of the Butterflies.

The background of the Trujillo dictatorship is delicately balanced with young adult topics. There is jealousy, which often plagues the hearts of teenagers as they navigate their social lives. Identity is another crucial aspect, as young people are constantly trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world. And of course, love is always a prominent theme in the lives of young adults.

I firmly believe that this book would serve as a great introduction to multicultural literature. It exposes readers to a different time and place, while also addressing universal themes that are relevant to their own lives. By reading this book, students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and experiences.

Before We Were Free is a remarkable historical fiction novel penned by Julia Alvarez. It vividly描绘s what life was like for a young girl named Anita in the Dominican Republic during the rule of "El Jefe" or General Trujillo.

Before delving into the book, I made a common mistake. I "judged a book by its cover." Not in the literal sense, but when I saw that it was historical fiction, I assumed it would be rather dull. However, I was proven wrong right from the start. Just in the first chapter, the story picked up pace and captivated my attention. Anita's life began to change after she left school that day. Throughout the story, she undergoes significant growth and development, both mentally and physically.

At the beginning, we are introduced to the SIM, which was like Trujillo's secret service. Their presence in the compound, looking for someone, sets the tone for the rest of the story. The SIM plays a crucial role in shaping Anita's mind and helping her mature as she learns more about the political situation in the Dominican Republic. With their house being constantly watched by the SIM, Anita finds solace in writing in her journal. "It’s like my whole world is coming undone, but when I write, my pencil is a needle and thread, and I'm stitching the scraps back together" (Alvarez P. 48).

One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is the character of Chucha. She is the wise old person who predicts events in a vague, oracle-like manner. Chucha's role is significant as she foreshadows future events in a seamless way that becomes an integral part of the story. The last two chapters were the most impactful for me. Although some of the events may have been somewhat predictable, the way they were presented was still shocking.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to middle school or high school students. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on a historical period.

The book Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez is an outstanding piece of literature.

It offers a remarkable perspective of a young girl residing in the Dominican Republic during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.

The story vividly portrays the intense fear that pervaded the country and the atrocities committed by Trujillo.

Through the eyes of Anita, the young protagonist, we witness how she views and experiences these events.

Seeing it from her perspective makes us reflect more deeply on how families coped with the dictatorship.

It also reveals that not only adults but also children suffered.

Anita's journey of maturing as a young woman throughout this process is a central theme.

She had to grow up quickly and figure things out on her own when others remained silent.

One significant moment of her maturation is when she gets her period in chapter 6.

The significance of this event lies not only in her physical growth but also in the implications for the story.

It symbolizes a change in Anita and a new phase in the book.

Overall, this book provides a powerful and empathetic portrayal of life under a dictatorship.

It makes the reader think about the experiences of those who lived through it and how they overcame the challenges.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a thought-provoking and engaging read.

It is a must-read for those who want to understand the impact of dictatorship on individuals and families.

A wonderful 4.25 stars!

It is really nice to read about the history of a country that we hear much less about! Personally, it can be said that my knowledge about the Dominican Republic was approaching zero, so I am very happy with my reading!

The Dominican Republic has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. From its indigenous roots to its colonization by the Spanish and its struggles for independence, there is so much to discover and learn.

This book has provided me with a fascinating insight into the country's past, including its political, social, and cultural development. I have learned about the important events and figures that have shaped the Dominican Republic into what it is today.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the Dominican Republic or Latin America in general. It is a great read that is both informative and engaging.

I initially found this novel to be a bit sluggish.

It wasn't until the fifth chapter, which was nearly halfway through the book, that I truly became engaged.

This isn't an action-packed tale, but rather one that is highly descriptive, with the author constantly employing metaphors and similes.

Moreover, there are profound meanings within many aspects of the story that are enjoyable to analyze and dissect.

The book also reveals a great deal about Trujillo and his character, offering a first-hand perspective on what was transpiring in the Dominican Republic during the sixties.

The characters are extremely well-developed, and the main character, Anita, is very dynamic.

Despite being a young girl, it makes for a good read for both genders.

If you're someone who prefers all loose ends to be neatly tied up, I wouldn't recommend this novel.

That being said, I thoroughly relished reading the story and experiencing it through Anita's eyes.

It was a captivating journey that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of a different time and place.

Prisoners have issued harrowing complaints. They spoke of the excruciating pain when their fingernails were brutally pulled out. They described the horror of having their eyes sewn open. They also told tales of being strapped to an electric chair ominously named "the throne" and being administered shocks in an attempt to force them to reveal the identities of others involved.

Adding to the nightmarish accounts, one prisoner recounted how he was fed a steak, only to later discover that it was the flesh of his own son.

Wow. It's truly astonishing that this disturbing and macabre piece was found in the children's section of the library. I read it in one sitting, and it certainly did not disappoint in terms of its ability to shock and horrify. It makes one wonder how such inappropriate content could have ended up in a place meant for young readers.

Perhaps there was a serious oversight in the library's collection management. Or maybe it was an act of vandalism. Regardless, it's a concerning incident that highlights the importance of careful curation and monitoring of library materials, especially those in the children's section.

2024 Fall Book Club in Spanish

Every so often, it is truly invigorating to pick up a novel that presents the point of view through the eyes of a child. In this case, Anita offers a unique perspective. Despite the numerous hardships she had to endure during Trujillo's leadership in the Dominican Republic, she saw the world through a lens that was both curious and beautiful.

The story is filled with many heartbreaking moments that tug at the reader's heartstrings. However, these are perfectly balanced out by the 'slice of life' moments that add a touch of authenticity and warmth. It is through these moments that we get to know Anita on a deeper level and understand her experiences.

I found myself relating to Anita on a personal level. She made me recall the early years of my adolescence, when I too felt proud of the milestones that came with 'becoming a woman.' This connection added an extra layer of depth to my reading experience.

Overall, this novel is a heartfelt, sad, and poignant exploration of a young girl's life during a difficult time in history. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. 4.5/5 stars.

In general, I don't like to read for class, and this book was no exception.

I think that seeing a serious situation through the eyes of a little girl is less interesting than from the perspective of an adult because children don't understand much.

For this reason, the book moved slowly, which is another thing that I don't like.

The story seemed to drag on and on, and I found myself getting bored easily.

Although the author may have intended to show the innocence and naivety of the child, it just didn't work for me.

I prefer books that are more fast-paced and engaging, with complex characters and interesting plot twists.

This book, unfortunately, did not meet my expectations.

Maybe it would be more suitable for a younger audience who can relate to the experiences of the little girl.

But for me, it was just a chore to read.

Before We Were Free is a remarkable fictional and historical novel that combines elements of both, with a touch of thriller thrown in.

Julia Alvarez tells this story from the perspective of a thirteen-year-old girl named Anita. Throughout the book, the dictator El Jefe in the Dominican Republic plays a significant role in the plot. Additionally, the three butterfly sisters are mentioned in relation to a similar accident in the novel.

This novel is extremely accurate in its portrayal of the history and timeline of the events that occur. Alvarez makes the reader feel as if they are right there with Anita and her family and friends, living at the compound. For example, when she describes the meetings that Papi and his friends have about getting rid of "Mr. Smith," and Anita can hear every single word through her window.

Anita grows as a person throughout the novel and shows great maturity during difficult times, such as when Mr. Washburn brings the horrific news about Papi and Tio Tony. As the story progresses, Anita's family becomes less close, and their maid Chucha takes Anita under her wing and cares for her in many ways.

In the book Montana 1948, David is in a similar situation when his dad is investigating uncle Frank. Len, his father's deputy, cares for him and gives him powerful life advice and tips throughout the book.

Julia Alvarez has crafted a short, compact, and powerful book that is deep with thought and connections. I believe she wrote about this because she is a Dominican-American writer who writes about her country's history and the era in which she grew up. She tells real-life stories that have been incorporated into her own fictional narrative, which is rich with knowledge and information.

Anita is a young teenager. Her large extended family lives happily on her grandfather's compound. However, the dictatorship of the Dominican Republic poses a threat to the lives of those she loves dearly.

One by one, families move off the compound to the United States as it becomes too dangerous to stay. But Anita's family must remain and secretly fight for the nation's freedom.

During the next few months, Anita witnesses the Resistance taking root in her home. She has to make sacrifices for freedom.

As a reader, it takes some time to get into the novel. Eventually, it is the development of the main character Anita that hooks me into the plot.

She was once a carefree young lady, but events unfold that are too serious to ignore. Gradually, she finds comfort in writing in her secret diary.

It is truly inspiring to watch her grow and mature as a reader. The way Alvarez weaves in the family's culture and the Resistance's struggle is seamless.

At the end of the novel, Alvarez includes an author's note, stating that the details in the novel are authentic.