I loved it. Very much. I like that it reminds us that the Mirabal sisters were real women of flesh and blood and not just a legend.

They were ordinary individuals who, in extraordinary circumstances, became symbols of courage and resistance. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within each of us.

We often look at historical figures as larger than life, but the Mirabal sisters show us that they were just like us, with hopes, dreams, and fears.

Their actions, however, were anything but ordinary. They stood up against a dictatorship and fought for the rights and freedoms of their people.

Their legacy continues to inspire generations of people around the world to speak out against injustice and to fight for what is right.

The story of the Mirabal sisters is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the ability of ordinary people to make a difference in the world.

This is a novel that is written based on a historical event (the Mirabal sisters' fight against the dictatorship named Trujillo in the Dominican Republic and the way they died). Although the author "Julia Alvarez" has emphasized that she has brought the characters of the Mirabal sisters onto the page based on what she had in her mind (the boundary between imagination and reality is blurred in this work). However, it was a book that brought back to life the memory of the novel "The Green House" by Yosa in me. Although it was not as bitter and dark as "The Green House", and although the author's writing power was not comparable to that of Yosa, yet the way the work was written was praiseworthy. The allocation of the parts of the book that are told in the language of these four sisters (three sisters who were killed, "Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa", and the only sister "Dedé" who survived them) was a creative idea. The translation of the book was by Hassan Mortazavi Rowan, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Some short sentences from the book that I liked:
The dictator is able to hide a small part of himself in front of all of us.
One should not be afraid of anything but fear itself.

3,5 years ago, I wrote a review…

I read the story of the legendary Mirabal Sisters, who stood up against a dictator while I was mourning the Afghan women and children who were abandoned to a terrible fate. The Mirabal Sisters, who became a symbol of violence against women all over the world; the day they were killed, November 25, was declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The story of the "three butterflies" and the fourth sister who remained alive, without the heroes being deified and without much political propaganda…

Minerva, who learned about the tyranny of the dictator Trujillo of the Dominican Republic when she was still a small child and chose her stance in life, a rebel, revolutionary and feminist, worthy of admiration; Patria, religious, helpful, full of love and unable to reconcile injustice with her faith and choosing her own path, with a big heart; Maria Theresa, the baby of the family, shy, full of love and finding her love in the revolution; Dede, who could not join her sisters because of her despotic husband and who lived the pain of this throughout her life, raised her nieces as if they were her own children and who remained behind as if to tell the story.

I read the story of the three butterflies, who became synonymous with freedom in the eyes of the people, with tears and anger. I was angry at the fascism that even Patria, who was a mother and a wife in her own right, was drawn into an organized struggle; I was once again amazed at the organization in the countries of Central and South America and that most religious people were on the side of the people, not of power.

Salute to the Butterflies who fought for a better life, for equality, and who stood up against a dictator.

Viva las Mariposas!!!

In 1960, during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, a tragic event took place. Three revolutionary sisters were brutally murdered and their car was pushed off a mountain.

The Mirabel sisters had been visiting their husbands, who were jailed as political prisoners. Meanwhile, their fourth sister, Dede, stayed home to take care of the children. The sisters were affectionately called "Las Mariposas", which means "The Butterflies" in English. This was Minerva's code name in the Fourteenth of June Movement.

The book vividly tells the story of their childhoods and how they became involved in revolutionary activities against the Trujillo dictatorship. Each sister's voice is given a platform, allowing readers to understand their individual experiences and motives.

Dede, the fourth sister, frames the story through an interview with a journalist, ensuring that their memory lives on. She and her mother played significant roles in caring for the children of the three assassinated sisters.

The book effectively conveys the terror of living in an authoritarian police state. In the Mirabel home, an obligatory portrait of Trujillo is hung next to the picture of Jesus, giving Trujillo a godlike quality.

With Minerva, Patria, and Maria Teresa each having chapters written in the first person, the book presents "Las Mariposas" as distinct individuals, each with her own reasons for joining the revolution. Julia Alvarez has honored these sisters in a very compelling and engaging story.

'In the Time of the Butterflies' by Julia Alvarez is a remarkable work that defies the norms of domestic fiction.

Typically, I'm not a devotee of this genre, but this book stands out for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, the characters are inspired by real individuals who are still regarded as heroes and freedom fighters. Tragically, they were brutally murdered by a dictator in 1960.

Secondly, the writing vividly captures the imagined environment of the Dominican Republic and its people from 1938 to the 1960s. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail bring this era to life.

The novel features alternating chapters set in 1994, narrated by a fictional surviving family member of Dominican Republic revolutionaries. This character is based on a real woman interviewed by the author, adding an extra layer of authenticity.

Alvarez's imagining of the "Maribel Butterflies" as children and their growth into revolutionaries is both fascinating and thought-provoking. She delves into their supposed domestic concerns, humanizing these real-life mythological figures.

The author interviewed surviving family members and conducted extensive research on the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship. While filling in the blanks where facts were lacking, she also took liberties with historical timelines and used composite characters.

Despite the necessary fictional elements, the story of the Maribels has had a profound impact. It has inspired plays, movies, and other works of art. The United Nations even established November 25 as an international day to recognize the need to eliminate violence against women, in memory of the Maribels.

The author's personal connection to the Dominican Republic, having lived there for the first ten years of her life and frequently returning, adds depth to the narrative. Her parents' escape from the dictator Rafael Trujillo's reign of terror also shapes the story.

The Maribel family, once well-off, saw three of their daughters become revolutionaries. The sisters, with their distinct personalities, defied the expectations of their conservative upbringing and society. Their husbands, too, followed them into the fight for freedom.

The real-life Maribel sisters have been mythologized, but they were also wives and mothers. The author's exploration of their human side succeeds in making them relatable and inspiring.

The story is told through alternating character narratives and chapters, providing a multi-faceted perspective.

Overall, 'In the Time of the Butterflies' is a powerful and engaging novel that combines history, fiction, and the human spirit. It offers a unique glimpse into a dark period of the Dominican Republic's history and the courage of those who fought for freedom.

For more information on the dictator Rafael Trujillo, visit https://www.history.com/topics/1960s/....

To learn how the real-life murder of the Maribel women led to the downfall of the Trujillo regime, go to https://www.history.com/news/mirabal-....

Finally, for an understanding of Liberation theology, which was embraced by some in the Catholic Church in South America, check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberat....

The book that tells the story of the Dominican legendary Mirabal sisters, known as "Mariposa's (Butterflies)", is wonderful.

Not being a direct biography and with the addition of fiction, it is impossible not to feel sad while reading the story. The author herself is also Dominican and her father was a resistor, so when she was only 10 years old, she fled from the dictatorship of Trujillo and settled in New York.

Read the story of Patria, Minerva and Mate, and perhaps send a greeting to their spirits in November 25th...

This book offers a unique perspective on the lives and struggles of these remarkable sisters. It allows readers to immerse themselves in their world and understand the challenges they faced under a dictatorship.

The addition of fiction adds an element of mystery and intrigue, making the story even more engaging. Through the eyes of the author, we can see the impact that the dictatorship had on the lives of ordinary people and the courage and determination of those who resisted.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, women's rights, or the power of the human spirit. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the Mirabal sisters and their legacy.

In The Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is a captivating historical fiction. Set in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo's dictatorship in the 1960s, it unfolds a harrowing yet beautiful tale. The story centers around the Mirabal sisters, four young women who became symbols of resistance. They inspired a nation to fight for freedom, despite the great cost. Three of the sisters, Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa, were brutally murdered while visiting their imprisoned husbands as part of the underground movement against the regime. However, this is not just a story of tragedy. It is also a story of a beautiful and strong family. Each sister has her own unique voice and personality, which is vividly portrayed in the narrative. Dede, the surviving sister, plays a crucial role in bringing this heartbreaking yet inspiring saga to a close. As the author, Julia Alvarez, emphasizes, she wanted to immerse readers in the life of the Dominican Republic, which she believes can only be truly understood and redeemed through fiction and imagination. Viva la Mariposa!

I can't rate this book with 5 stars because its fiction/non-fiction format drove me crazy. I'd rather have had a non-fiction book about the Mirabal sisters. Given that there is one surviving sister, I'd hope that wasn't an impossible feat. If it really was, however, then I'd rather this historical fiction story have had entirely fictional characters as the main characters. The pertinent real people could have taken on more minor roles in the story, and then I wouldn't have minded their fictionalization.

But this book really grabbed me. I ended up having actual nightmares because of and relating to this book. I thought the author did a tremendous job of giving an accurate feeling for what it might feel like to live under a dictatorship regime, and of being public, oppositional figures in such a situation. I enjoyed the writing style much more than I'd expected. I'd like to read other books by this author. I've heard her speak a couple times, and I've always come away favorably impressed.

I loved the humor in the book. I learned a lot about the time and place. I enjoyed the different voices, although I had to occasionally look back to see who was narrating.

I really enjoyed the characters Maria Teresa and Minerva, but Patria less so. Maria Teresa struck me as somewhat shallow but very funny, Minerva as passionate and generous, and at times infuriating. Dede felt like a bit of a blur for much of the book; she's the one who survived and who was available for providing some factual content. Perhaps it was her privacy that needed to be protected.

There weren't many, but I enjoyed the little drawings in the story; some were like maps, though of small places.

My paperback copy had fascinating extras. The author talks a bit about herself; she was a refugee from Trujillo's regime because of her father's activism. I feel her passion coming through in her storytelling. There are discussion questions. And she explains about her choice to write this as a historical fiction novel.

I'd love to know how all the children and grandchildren and other descendants are doing now. I did get from this material how hard it must be to be a survivor of those who were and are martyred and revered. And I'd like to read more about this period in this place. I'm embarrassed that I knew nothing of it, even though I was alive (albeit young) during these atrocities. I'm always astounded and perturbed to read about horrific events that took or are taking place during my lifetime. I always think about what I was doing at the time, and how different my life was, and how ignorant I was.

I read this for my real world book club, and I finished it late, a first for me, but not because I wasn't enjoying my reading experience.

At the tender age of 10, Julia Alvarez had to flee the Dominican Republic. Her father had fallen afoul of the Trujillo regime, and this event would shape her life and work.

Alvarez's strong desire to understand this particular time period and the fate of "Las Mariposas" led her to write this book. Told in alternating first person points of view from each of the four sisters over 22 years, it offers a unique perspective on their lives and struggles.

We know that the Butterflies died in 1960, but the moment when Dedé discovers this is still horrifying. The book is emotional and engaging, but I would have liked to see more interactions between the characters and a deeper exploration of their motives. Why would four women from a macho society risk their lives in the way they did?

Despite this, I really enjoyed the book, especially the cultural information it provided. It also showed how much these women inspired the rest of the country, to the point where they became almost like public property. This has made me want to learn more about D.R. history, and a Wikipedia page just isn't enough. I need to soak it all in!

Even though I was initially frightened of the subject matter of "In the Time of the Butterflies" - which is based on true and bloody events that took place in the infamous regime of Trujillo in the mid-20th century - I was gradually pulled into it by the narrator. The narrator is the only sister of four who was spared. She speaks in the present as she answers questions from a journalist who, like countless others, reveres and idolizes the sacrifices that the four "Butterflies" and their family made to achieve democracy in the Dominican Republic.

As the narrator changes from sister to sister, starting when they are little girls, I find myself right there with each of them as they grow. They are so endearing and unique, yet they become so much more. This is a powerful, yet light-hearted book, much like the girls themselves. It is poetic and feminist, and it is deeply moving.

The story unfolds in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are part of the sisters' lives, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and the challenges they face. It is a testament to the strength and courage of the human spirit in the face of oppression and injustice. "In the Time of the Butterflies" is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Julia Alvarez has been one of my favorite authors for the past twenty years.

Her memoirs, whether fictional or nonfiction, are filled with poetic humor that often leaves me with a smile on my face.

In 1960, in the midst of the revolution to overthrow the dictatorial president Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, Alvarez' family left the Dominican Republic. Thanks to her father's connections, they managed to escape. But what about those who were left on the island?

In this fictional yet poignant account of the Mirabal sisters, who became a symbol of the revolution, Alvarez reveals the fate of those left behind.

Minerva Mirabal always desired more than to be a simple country woman like her mother. In a machismo culture where few women learned to read and write, her dream of going to law school seemed unattainable.

Her older sister Patria Mercedes believed she had a religious calling, and their middle sister Dede was the obedient one who went along with the other two.

By the age of ten, the three sisters entered the La Escuela de Imaculada Concepcion and began the journey towards both a higher education and learning revolutionary ideals.

Using poetic prose, Alvarez describes how the three older Mirabal sisters and their youngest sister Maria Teresa "Mate" grew up to be modern women.

No longer would they be subservient members of a machismo culture but productive members of society who would make a difference.

Alternating chapters from the perspective of each sister, Alvarez shows how each one became a revolutionary from a unique place.

The diary entries written by Mate throughout her life are especially powerful as she grapples with what joining the movement would mean for herself and her family.

The sisters either married a cousin as expected or for love, and all four couples played a role in the revolution that would bring down Trujillo and bring democracy to the island.

Known as the mariposas and meeting clandestinely outside the home of Patria and her husband Pedrito, the guerilla movement took hold.

Even their young children wanted to participate, despite the danger. Trujillo's spies were everywhere, determined to crush the rebellion.

This kept the extended family in constant fear and had me, as a reader, completely captivated by Alvarez' writing, demonstrating her talent for conveying powerful emotions across different genres.

November 25, 1960, the day of the real life Mirabal sisters' abduction and murder, is now the International Day Toward Violence Against Women.

Through the courage and unwavering attitude of the Mirabal sisters and their families, the revolution succeeded less than a year later.

Alvarez points out in her postscript that even Dominicans living in the United States knew of the bravery of the Mirabal girls.

In this powerful book, which I rate 4.5 bright stars, Julia Alvarez tells her readers "Vivan las mariposas" so that we never forget these courageous Mirabals.

I initially approached this novel with some trepidation. I have been drawn in too many times by the lives of characters in South American political literature, only to witness the tragic endings of those characters under the rule of a cruel dictator.

However, Alvarez masterfully portrays the lives of the Mirabal sisters. We get to know their ordinary adolescent experiences of love and friendship, which gradually merge with the emerging political views they are developing. Like a thief in the night, these political views overtake their lives, transforming them from ordinary sisters into something beyond their control, into political symbols in a country devoid of hope, into beacons of light whose beauty is doomed to be extinguished by the relentless vitriol of the Trujillo dictatorship.

Alvarez is careful not to glorify the sisters. Instead, the novel focuses on humanizing them by depicting their uncertainties, doubts, and insecurities. As Alvarez states, this ensures that the sisters' heroism is not seen as something unattainable for most people. Instead, they were just ordinary people who stood up for what they believed in, which enhances the power and tragedy of their story. Alvarez also portrays the banality and crudeness of the Trujillo regime, which functioned as a machine with the sole purpose of worshipping Trujillo's boundless ego.

Because the novel focuses so intensively on the lives of the sisters and their families, other characters in the novel, including their husbands, are peripheral, like planets revolving around the stars that represent the sisters.

'In the Time of the Butterflies' is an evocative, tragic, and yet beautiful account of the life of a family that was uprooted and disrupted by a political regime, only to bloom into a flower of hope whose roots lead to a better, albeit imperfect, world.