Book Review: In the Time of the Butterflies

In the Time of the Butterflies

by Dorsi Valle

With a brilliant and empowering approach, author Julia Alvarez brings to life the story of Rafael Trujillo’s brutal dictatorship in her novel In the Time of the Butterflies. Published in 1995, this novel conveys an acrid taste of life in the Dominican Republic under the domineering dictator, Trujillo. In the Time of the Butterflies portrays the inspirational true story of the Mirabal sisters who undertook history’s challenge and rebelled against their sacred beliefs. Alvarez epitomizes their story as life’s unpleasant method of introducing political oppression. With vivid descriptions, Alvarez manages to define resiliency and a haunting statement about the horrors of a true story.

Although Alvarez was born in New York City, she was raised in the Dominican Republic. From personal experience during Trujillo’s dictatorship from 1930 to 1961, Alvarez is able to articulate the Mirabal sister’s story with a powerful stroke of meaningful significance. At the time, Alvarez’s parents preferred Trujillo’s dictatorship over America in the 1950’s. However, when Alvarez’s father became involved with a secret conspiracy to overthrow Trujillo, her family risked the danger of being killed or arrested; the family was lucky enough to retreat back to America. Having witnessed herself the atrocious events of complete political oppression, Alvarez is revered for bringing reader’s attention towards the Mirabal sister’s story in her book.

In the Time of the Butterflies is a unique read for anyone who opens the novel. The reader quickly recognizes that the story is told in first person from the perspective of each individual sister: Minerva, Patria, Maria Teresa, Dede. Every point of view provides the reader with a glimpse of each sister’s life as they essentially tell the same story in their own terms. Together, the sisters become part of a secret conspiracy, and they code themselves as “the butterflies” Hence, the title of the novel. Their breathtaking adventure forces the reader to take on a deeper much more powerful view of the historical events.

When the sisters discover the truth about Trujillo’s vulgar and cruel persona, they must summon the courage to fight injustice. With the help of family and friends, the sisters maneuver around the dangers of political oppression. Alvarez’s breathtaking novel takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of hardships, love, hatred and joy. The articulate novel refrains you from setting it down and keeps you flipping pages. The compelling true story of the Mirabal sisters is truly inspiring and beautiful: in conclusion, a must read.