Hardship. Love. Hatred. Joy. Courage. Strength. Faith. Loyalty. Fear. Desperation. Justice. Endurance. Sacrifice. Hope.
In this beautifully written novel, Julia Alvarez brings together fact and fiction in the captivating, emotionally wrenching tale of the historical figures, "the butterflies," a code name for the Mirabal sisters who stood against the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, and were ultimately martyred. The story of the Mirabal sisters from their childhood to their final years is told through the voices of Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and through Maria Teresa's diary entries. Each chapter brings vividly to life the individuality of the sister--her unique personality, struggles, thoughts, feelings, and doubts. The reader can connect to the sister on a more personal level, as the sisters are portrayed not as legendary figures, but as ordinary people trying to stand up for what they believe in. The novel starts out with Dedé, the only surviving sister, in the present, and then is directed to the past as she reminisces about her childhood. The reader is immersed in the lives of the sisters--through their maturing, schooling, relationships, and their eventual involvement in the underground movement against Trujillo. The sisters face hardships and fears with courage and resilience, fighting injustice. Although the novel starts out slowly and steadily, it gradually builds up in intensity until the final pages. This inspiring and breathtaking novel will give the reader a deeper view of this turbulent time in history filled with the oppression of liberties and will bring light upon the inspiring national heroines, the Mirabal sisters. I would highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down!
Viva las mariposas!
In this beautifully written novel, Julia Alvarez brings together fact and fiction in the captivating, emotionally wrenching tale of the historical figures, "the butterflies," a code name for the Mirabal sisters who stood against the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, and were ultimately martyred. The story of the Mirabal sisters from their childhood to their final years is told through the voices of Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and through Maria Teresa's diary entries. Each chapter brings vividly to life the individuality of the sister--her unique personality, struggles, thoughts, feelings, and doubts. The reader can connect to the sister on a more personal level, as the sisters are portrayed not as legendary figures, but as ordinary people trying to stand up for what they believe in. The novel starts out with Dedé, the only surviving sister, in the present, and then is directed to the past as she reminisces about her childhood. The reader is immersed in the lives of the sisters--through their maturing, schooling, relationships, and their eventual involvement in the underground movement against Trujillo. The sisters face hardships and fears with courage and resilience, fighting injustice. Although the novel starts out slowly and steadily, it gradually builds up in intensity until the final pages. This inspiring and breathtaking novel will give the reader a deeper view of this turbulent time in history filled with the oppression of liberties and will bring light upon the inspiring national heroines, the Mirabal sisters. I would highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down!
Viva las mariposas!