I'm a sucker for fictionalized accounts of true history. It's a little different from how I describe historical fiction, which is more focused on evoking a period in history.

Anyway, I completely fell for the Mirabel sisters and the story of their lives, politics, and murder at the hands of a corrupt dictator in 1960 Dominican Republic.

I adored the alternating voices of the sisters and the building suspense as the time periods shifted. There are no spoilers here - we know about the murders from the opening pages; yet, Alvarez masterfully constructs tension and suspense.

Alvarez openly admits to reimagining history and her characters, but everything felt entirely honest and true to life. I learned an enormous amount, and my heart was firmly in this author's hands.

The story of the Mirabel sisters is both tragic and inspiring. It shows the power of courage and resistance in the face of oppression. Alvarez's writing brings these women to life, making us feel as if we are right there with them, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

This fictionalized account of true history is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about this important period in Dominican Republic's history and the remarkable women who fought for freedom and justice.

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is a captivating novel that masterfully blends fiction with the true story of the three Mirabel sisters, known as “the butterflies.” The sisters’ opposition to General Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic led to their tragic assassination in 1960.

The novel begins in 1994 with a journalist interviewing Dedé, the sole surviving sister, about the events preceding her siblings’ murders. It unfolds through the alternating voices of each sister (Patria, Minerva, Dedé, and Maria Theresa), spanning the years from 1938 to 1960. We witness their lives as young girls, teenagers, young wives and mothers, and members of a clandestine guerilla cell, culminating in their untimely deaths. The sections featuring Dedé in 1994 frame the narrative, highlighting her guilt over not being as politically active as her sisters, her survival, and her ongoing struggle to reconcile with their deaths while honoring their memory.

Alvarez brings these historical figures to life, portraying each sister as a distinct individual gradually drawn into the fight against Trujillo. They inch their way towards becoming revolutionaries, each with her own motives. Forming a guerrilla cell, they meet regularly to plan and hide weapons in preparation for the uprising. However, their efforts are eventually discovered, and they and their spouses are imprisoned. After their release, they are placed under house arrest, constantly monitored by the Military Intelligence Service. Despite living in fear, their resolve remains unwavering. Tragically, they are ambushed and killed while returning from a visit to their jailed spouses.
Alvarez’s powerful diction vividly captures the terror of living under a military dictatorship, where people constantly fear crossing the line. Loved ones are regularly murdered, incarcerated, or disappear. The sisters’ experiences of filth, squalor, starvation, and the constant threat of torture and beatings during their incarceration further emphasize the trauma of life under dictatorship.
By skillfully combining historical fact and fiction, Julia Alvarez spreads awareness of the Mirabel sisters’ heroic struggle to a wider audience. Their courage and determination have elevated them to mythic status. This novel is highly recommended. My book reviews can also be found at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com.

Darn good story with strong Latina characters. It's a must-read for all Hispanic ladies.

Until I picked this up, I had no idea that the Dominican Republic had such a tumultuous past. Therefore, the book has been both educational and entertaining.

In the sixties, there was a rebellion. Revolutionists aimed to remove Trujillo, a dictator. This book follows four sisters. Patria, the eldest, seems like an ordinary stay-at-home wife and mother who sometimes struggles with her deep Catholic faith. However, one day she witnesses a catastrophe and decides to join the revolution. Dede is the "play it safe" sister who doesn't get directly involved but does her part in saving her sisters who are. Minerva is the one with fiery words and passionate speeches. Her constant rebellion inspires the others and she plays a crucial role in the revolution. Maria Teresa, "Mata," also becomes involved in the underground plans, unaware that she may be taking on more than she can handle.

The writing style is fantastic. I truly felt like I was getting to know all of the sisters, their thoughts, feelings, doubts, and the reasons for their opposition to Trujillo.

As always in a revolution, disaster is inevitable. There will be casualties on both sides... Who will this one claim?

A movie was released in 2010, not based on this book but about Minerva Mirabel. http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...

This wise and realistic historical fiction is a truly remarkable read.

It is a work that is both reverential and poetically inspired, yet it also presents an emotionally difficult journey.

It is no wonder that it is considered a "Big Read." I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to read this book, as it feels like a right-of-passage.

The story is filled with powerful themes such as political rebellion, feminism, family, and immigration.

Based on the real Mirabal Sisters, this classic tale brings to life their experiences and struggles in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

It offers a unique perspective on a significant period in history and allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues that were at play.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, or simply a good story.

The book was very good, and there was also a TV film adapted from it in 2001, which was not very good.

I had given up my former fanaticism for the respect of the holy. God, who had played the greatest joke with us, could bring a small joke. Page 85 of the book

He had lost his mind and was making the funniest rules. Now it was a serious crime for those who wore khaki pants and shirts of the same color. It was against the law to pick up a cat on your hand. The right was with Leo. This regime was crazy and irrational. It had to be endured. Page 111 of the book

Minerva objected. She said that this country had not had an opinion on anything in the past twenty-six years, and only these stupid and insignificant elections were what kept the weak memory of democracy alive. Page 189 of the book

With all this, we all prayed that the new year would bring a change. The situation had become very bad, and even people like us who did not want to have anything to do with politics were thinking about it all the time. Page 207 of the book

God, I can't sit and watch our children die, even if this is what you, the great wise one, have decided. Page 222 of the book

The word of God was this: we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. You can't follow a young man with a gun and enter the kingdom of God. You can't protect the muzzle of that gun and think that the burning hole is the way to enter eternity. Page 224 of the book

People ask things that are understandable, but with all this, they don't put their fingers where it still hurts. These are the people who were bloodless on those days, just when a small cry from each person could turn into a collective shout and the world couldn't ignore it. People who were the friends of Satan every day. Everyone protected themselves by betraying others. Pages 408-409 of the book

The Mirabal sisters put their lives in danger. I constantly asked myself what gave them this special courage? Page 416 of the book

April 12, 2024

In the era of Batista and the revolution in Cuba, there was yet another dictator, perhaps as bad or even worse, reigning over the Dominican Republic. His name was Trujillo, and his favored method of maintaining power was to murder anyone who dared to challenge him, utter a single word against him, or in any way displease him. Amidst this climate of repression, we encounter the four Mirabal sisters: Minerva, Dede, Patria, and Maria-Teresa (Mate). This fictional portrayal of their lives is both captivating and deeply bittersweet.

The sisters have gained historical significance as Los Mariposas (the butterflies), yet each of these women was unique and distinct. Each was driven by different impulses and desires. Each was striving to find her own voice. But above all, they were there for one another, stood by one another, and loved one another. Their bravery encompassed everything from unadulterated courage to a simple inability to abandon someone dear. The fact that they sacrificed their own safety for the sake of the collective serves as a powerful reminder of what true revolution entails and what true defiance means. I am in awe of their strength and feel humbled by it.

When I completed this book, I was actually trembling with a mix of sadness and anger. Knowing that it is based on real events makes it all the more poignant. Alvarez has done an outstanding job of resurrecting these women who were martyred for the cause of freedom in the Dominican Republic. She alternates between the perspectives of the sisters, thereby bringing each of them to life equally. While Minerva is the central figure of the revolution, each of the other sisters contributes her own personality, fears, and desires, providing us, the readers, with a rich and fulfilling experience. From the very beginning, we are aware of the fate that awaits these women, but the old adage that the journey is more important than the destination has never been more applicable than in this case.

In her postscript to my edition, Julia Alvarez admits to having combined actual events and imposed her own interpretations. She states, “I sometimes took liberties--by changing dates, by reconstructing events, and by collapsing characters or incidents. For I wanted to immerse my readers in an epoch in the life of the Dominican Republic that I believe can only finally be understood by fiction, only finally be redeemed by the imagination. A novel is not, after all, a historical document, but a way to travel through the human heart.” She has admirably achieved her goal. I felt the beating of these hearts, and at some point in the story, their heartbeats seemed to blend with my own.

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is an enthralling and intense tale that revolves around the four Mirabal sisters - Minerva, Dedé, María Teresa, and Patricia.

The story commences in the 1960s when an interviewer arrives at one of the sister's houses for an exclusive interview. It is told in a flashback form, gradually unfolding the events that led to this moment and eventually coming full circle back to 1960. This narrative is extremely captivating, making it nearly impossible for the reader to put the book down once they start. Julia Alvarez demonstrates remarkable skill in not only drawing the reader in but also maintaining their interest throughout.

Set in the Dominican Republic during a time of intense conflict and war, the Mirabal sisters are faced with a crucial decision - whether and how to fight the oppression that they and the entire country are enduring. The reader witnesses the girls' transformation into strong and resolute women. Initially, the Mirabal's believe that their beloved president, Rafael Trujillo, is as powerful and great as God himself. However, while away at school, one of the sisters hears a horrific story about the oppression for which Trujillo is responsible. This revelation quickly makes them realize that he is not a great president but rather a cruel dictator. After this shocking truth comes to light, they must determine if this fight is worth risking their lives for.

Alvarez masterfully makes the reader connect with the Mirabal sisters. Instead of presenting them as mere political rebels, she portrays them as real humans with families and lives. This personal connection makes Trujillo seem even more despicable because the reader becomes strongly invested in the sisters and hopes that no harm will come to them. As the reader continues to read, they become increasingly emotionally invested in the sisters' livelihood, hanging on to every word.

I would highly recommend In the Time of the Butterflies to anyone who enjoys reading a book that combines intense action with an emotional connection. Although the book is fictional, the themes it explores are very real and truly exemplify the harsh oppression that many Dominicans had to face.

I simply couldn't do it.

Despite my best efforts and numerous attempts, I found myself unable to accomplish the task at hand.

The challenge seemed insurmountable, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to make any progress.

It was a frustrating experience, and I felt a sense of disappointment in myself for not being able to succeed.

However, I also knew that failure is a part of life, and that I would need to learn from this experience and try again in the future.

Maybe with a different approach or more practice, I would be able to overcome this obstacle and achieve my goal.

For now, though, I would have to accept that I couldn't do it and move on to the next task.

IN THE TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES truly had a profound impact on me. The entire epilogue brought me to tears. It was not only lyrical but also incredibly insightful, captivating me from start to finish.

The quote, "...by making them myth, we lose the Mirabals once more, dismissing the challenge of their courage as impossible for us, ordinary men and women" (324), really struck a chord.

Alvarez doesn't present us with a mythical version of the Mirabals. Instead, she shows us their flaws, their brilliance, and their unique personalities. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know them through her words.

I often find myself grappling with the question of how to act bravely in the face of authoritarian rule. I frequently feel a sense of helplessness. However, the Mirabals serve as a powerful reminder that courage is not the absence of fear; it is the act of persevering in the face of it.

¡Vivan las Mariposas! Long live the Butterflies! Their story will continue to inspire me and countless others.

I REALLY tried to get into these books, but had a difficult time reading them.

Can someone please explain to me what in the world these books are about? It went from a pointless interview to a meaningless mini plot that was not consistent with the synopsis.

Absolutely no characterization, the characters became forgettable the moment I turned the page. I can't explain anything to you. I question why I read so far.

Boring, inconsistent, sloppy and forgettable. It seems that the author failed to create a captivating story or develop interesting characters. The lack of coherence and the absence of a clear narrative arc made it a struggle to follow.

Maybe I'm just not the right audience for these books, but I expected more from them. I hope that future works by this author will be more engaging and well-written.

Almost everything I read seems to be new. To such an extent that I have to exert great effort to read those older books that I never managed to get around to. This particular book sits right on top of a pile of modern classics that have been resting on my nightstand, seemingly judging me for my neglect. I finally took the plunge and started reading it. And I'm truly thrilled that this was the first one I chose because it served as a great reminder. If a book has endured the test of time and if everyone has read it, there's usually a very good reason for that.

What I relished the most about this book is the remarkable way in which Alvarez crafts each sister. When you shift points of view within a book, there's a risk that it could all end up sounding identical. However, for Alvarez, each sister not only possesses a distinct personality and a unique voice but also a different style of prose. It should be mandatory reading for anyone attempting to pen a multi-pov novel.

Alvarez has a new novel set to be released this year. And if you're like me and haven't read any of her books yet, this one is truly a wonderful choice.

That day I asked, what is the story that the executioner has intended to kill the most beautiful children of this land every time? Every time the noose has been drawn, it has deceived the purest children of the sun and the wind. Shame and disgrace be upon you! Even death is ashamed of all this shamelessness of yours! Wherever you set foot, plants wither from rust because you have no faith in the strength of the earth and water, you have torn every heart in which the fire of youth has been kindled! Oh, dark day in your dark destiny! Why have you thought that you will remain eternal in your falsehood? Open your eyes a little, from behind the wall of the night, the cries of the orphans of the land of the sun will tear your carpets
With respect for the sisters of Mir Arab and for each and every daughter of the dear Iran

The fourteenth of Azar, the month of fire in the year of chaos and the fall of the fourteen and one