In the Time of the Butterflies: The Graphic Novel

by Julia Alvarez, Krystal Quiles

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Comics

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Julia Alvarez left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of ten. She is the author of six novels, three books of nonfiction, three collections of poetry, and eleven books for children and young adults. She has taught and mentored writers in schools and communities across America and, until her retirement in 2016, was a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College. Her work has garnered wide recognition, including a Latina Leader Award in Literature from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic Heritage Award in Literature, the Woman of the Year by Latina magazine, and inclusion in the New York Public Library’s program “The Hand of the Poet: Original Manuscripts by 100 Masters, from John Donne to Julia Alvarez.” In the Time of the Butterflies, with over one million copies in print, was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for its national Big Read program, and in 2013 President Obama awarded Alvarez the National Medal of Arts in recognition of her extraordinary storytelling.

Photo copyright by Brandon Cruz González
EL VOCERO DE PUERTO RICO

Reviews

[Chloe Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Time of the Butterflies: The Graphic Novel by Julia Alvarez is definitely a five star read. This book is incredible, heartbreaking, shocking, and so important. I knew going in that it would be emotional, but I still wasn’t fully prepared for how deeply it would touch me. The story of the Mirabal sisters is powerful on its own, but seeing it brought to life in this format made it feel even more immediate and devastating. There were so many moments where I had to just sit with what I was reading because it felt impossible to believe and yet so necessary to remember.


The illustrations were absolutely wonderful and added so much emotion to the experience. They made the fear, courage, grief, and strength of the story feel even more vivid. I thought this was such an inspiring and meaningful adaptation because it honors the importance of the original story while making it accessible in a new way. It’s one of those books that leaves you feeling heartbroken, angry, inspired, and grateful all at once. Truly such an important graphic novel adaptation, and one I won’t forget anytime soon.

Thank you Algonquin Books for providing this Ebook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Mrs. G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow the Mirabel sisters and their fight against the corrupt leader Trujillo. Based on the true story follow the sisters in alternating POV chapters transcribing their story.

If you enjoy the original book or the movie, you’ll enjoy this graphic novel version also. The color schemes help give each sister their own voice and depict the corruption in red.

I teach this novel, so I’m very excited to have another resource to share with my students. The graphic version of this story is a little different simply because you can’t possibly fit everything into a single page. The main ideas are not lost and the color symbolism adds to the emphasis of Trujillo‘s corruption.

I am so grateful to NetGalley for letting me preview the first third of the book. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest.


** NetGalley ARC Review **

[Haruka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!!! I love the storyline. The way the story was told is a very simple read!! Im just wondering whether i couldn’t download the book fully or it really just ends there. Anyway i could only leave reviews on what i read and so far it was a great read.
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance~

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

The artwork is breathtaking and the story is very compelling. Absolutely worth picking up especially since it is such a quick but moving read.

[Soledad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was translated to a graphic novel form very well! It really brings to life visually Alvarez's novel! Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin books for the eARC!