I found myself truly immersed in this historical fiction by Julia Alvarez, Before We Were Free. The characters evoked a deep sense of empathy within me. At times, I had to remind myself that it was a fictional book. The story of how Anita, the main character, lived under intense political pressure with her family and matured both physically and mentally through a series of events is captivating.

Moreover, as a reader, I witnessed a simplified version of how innocent people endured tyranny, rallied together, and rebelled from a child's perspective, which is rather unique. Despite living in a wealthy family, Anita was not a typical Dominican Republic kid. Nevertheless, she was the embodiment of the people of that era, representing their longing for freedom. Additionally, some interesting characters like the old Haitian maid, Chucha, who was strange yet wise, made the story not only more entertaining but also thought-provoking. She was like a sophisticated guardian protecting and supporting Anita, somewhat similar to the deputy sheriff, Len in Montana 1948 that I had read earlier.

Julia Alvarez, having personally experienced the dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, is undoubtedly the right person to tell this story. There are many details hidden in the plot that carry significant meanings. For example, the description of El Jefe's clothing choices implies much more than just his daily routine and fashion preferences. There are numerous such details waiting for readers to uncover and interpret, enabling them to fully understand the story while enjoying the reading process. Sometimes, words with multiple meanings are also used, adding an extra layer of complexity. Although some details may be difficult for readers to perceive and understand, I can sense the author's great effort in constructing the plot and providing information to aid interpretation. However, more effort could be made to explain vague and implied messages more clearly, which would enhance the reading experience and help readers connect with the characters. Overall, I believe this is a book well worth reading carefully, as one can gain a great deal from this story.

Reading Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez was truly an eye-opening experience for me. Growing up in Canada, I had very limited knowledge of Central America. School only touched on it a few times, and the news didn't provide in-depth coverage. So, when I began reading this book, I had no idea what to expect. In my life, we mainly focused on our own country, but also knew a fair amount about the US and Great Britain. However, reading about the Dominican Republic gave me a whole new perspective. It made me realize the many problems around the world that kids my age are facing.

As I delved into the book and put myself in Anita's shoes, it was nerve-wracking. Knowing that her family was constantly being watched and that she had no idea what was going on was truly unfair. I can't even begin to imagine the emotions and questions that must have been racing through her mind when she learned of her father's death, especially once she was free in New York. The quote from the end of the book, "The emptiness inside starts filling with a strong love and a brave pride," really stood out to me. It shows how Anita was able to cope and move on after such a tragic event. She calls it a "brave pride" because her father had the courage to stand up for their country, sacrificing his life so that his friends and family could have a better one.

Early in the story, Anita was almost trapped in the compound, wondering why some of her family was leaving and what was happening. She was at an age where she was starting to go through puberty, but her parents still treated her like a younger child and didn't tell her what was going on. I could really relate to this because I remember when I was a kid and my parents wouldn't always tell me what was happening in certain situations. Sometimes, I would have to find out on my own, just like Anita. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a great learning experience for me, and I was able to make some personal connections with Anita. The novel is about how Anita overcame adversity and moved on with her new life. I would highly recommend it to Canadian kids who don't know much about Central American countries. It's important to get different perspectives from people in other countries, especially those that don't have the same freedoms that we do. We often take our freedom for granted, and this book can help us appreciate it more.

A truly beautiful book.

What an opportunity it is to learn about the horrors of the 30-year dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic through the perspective of Anita, a child who understands, feels, and lives her country in this context, and guides us along with her own pains and growth.

Perhaps the reader begins the book as innocent as the character, but the journey transforms.

In a moment when our cultural production leads us to face some Latin American realities head-on (whether it's the dictatorship in Brazil in "I'm Still Here"; or the need for forced displacements, with the album "I Should Have Taken More Photos" by Bad Bunny), this touching classic by Julia Alvarez needs to enter the list of those who can bear to be moved just a little more.

It offers a unique and poignant look into a dark period of history, allowing us to empathize with the experiences of those who lived through it.

The story is not only about the hardships but also about the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Alvarez's writing is vivid and engaging, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in Anita's world.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Latin American history, literature, or simply a good story that will touch their heart.

I had not known a great deal about the history of the Dominican Republic. However, this particular piece of writing was truly an eye-opening experience for me.

It brought to my mind the powerful and poignant "The Diary of Anne Frank". Just as Anne Frank's diary provided a unique perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust, this account of the Dominican Republic's history offered a vivid and detailed look into a different era and set of circumstances.

It made me realize how important it is to learn about the past, not only to understand the events that have shaped a particular country or region, but also to gain a deeper appreciation for the human experience.

Overall, this read was a valuable and thought-provoking one that has left a lasting impression on me.