In the Time of the Butterflies discussion

The book I reviewed this was In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. This book has been one of the best books I have had the privileged to read. This book is a historical fiction yet feels so real. I remember watching the film whenI was younger but the book is much more captivating and actually makes you feel like you are in the moment. I am sure that many of the situations that this book spoke of were somewhat true. Trujillo the dictator of the Dominican Republic during the setting of the book was murdering his fellow countrymen and anyone who opposed him. We are introduced to four sisters who are eager to start a revolution and remove Trujillo. Three out of the four sisters are able to assist the cause while the second oldest Dede contributes in little ways she can. Dede resonates with me the most because she wants to help but cannot fully be involved we at times come into a situation were we would love to help but can't. All the characters have special traits and are unique. Being able to standup to a dictator demands a lot from someone. This decision to face and take down an oppressor does not only affect one person but many. At the end many deaths occur, yet the symbol of the mariposa is for the people to rally behind. If I had to compare another book to this one, it would be Anne Frank and her live as a persecuted minority in a fascist controlled country. These two have many similarities such as the type of government that was oppressing the people and the many atrocious that happened. The overall theme of this book is that when faced with oppression or a hardship that we must endure and push on. As long as we try and do something we are making a change. Dede tried to help by caring for her sister’s children, this was her way of helping. Any bit of effort will go unrewarded as long as you dedicate yourself to it. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history or the Hispanic culture.