In the Time of the Butterflies

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Summary: Hope and Determination
Review: Hope, love, and determination is what the four Mirabal sisters represented to me. To scarifice your life in the name of freedom and the thought of everyone else and not just yourself shows alot for how much love you have to give to someone. Maria Teresa, Patria, Minerva, and Dede showed more passion and power for sisters than I have ever seen. I live in a free country and have no idea whats its like to be under someones constant control. I could not imagine how the life of the Mirabals was. Trujillo represents to me just how evil someone can really be. The Las Mariposas represent how there is evil in all of us but there is good in all of us to, and the only thing worth living for is the good.

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Summary: In But Not Of
Review: The book "In the time of the Butterflieas" is a story about the four Mirable sisters and tjeir life living in the Dominican, and problems with the Trusjillista. The four sisters De De, Minervia, Patria and maria Teresa tell their own stories and what things occured in there lifes. I will give this book an okay vote. If someone was to come up to me and ask would I recomend this book I would have to say NO. First because I di not like the book that much. I think that the book is more for a female audience not to say thta a male could not read it , but I think that females would relate to the situations more.But I will also trun around and tell you to read it for your self.
there is one thing that I can say about the book and that is that Julia gives everything such a good description. One part of the book were you as a reader get a good visual is from one of Patria's lines. when she says " I realize I was giving birth to something dead I had been carring inside of me." Just that one little qote makes you feel like you can feel her pain.

Another part is when one of the sisters were getting put in jail and as ahe was walking down the hall and the people in the cells were screaming !VIVA Mariposa! and that mean live the butterflies and the sisters are giving the name butterflies by Fela.

Not to say that the book was not a good book but it just was not the book for me.

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Summary: A journey through the mind
Review: The book "In the Time of the Butterflies" was different and inspiring. This book is a different then other book that I have read. The use of the style, the way the theme goes in and out of the story, the way the charters are played out and the use of the plot. The book is about a group of sisters. Patria, Minerva, Maria Teresa, and Dede Mirabal. Each sister speak out in her own way. The style of the book is like no other, the use of multiple first and third person. One of the chapters might be portrayed by one of the sisters and the next chapter will be in the perspective of the next sister in line. If an event was to happen to one sister they would tell their story and in the next chapter the next sister would tell what happen to them but would also add their own detail to the story, and what people would not know and what the other sisters would want to find out. I think that Julia Alvarez does this because she dose not really know what happen, so she use her imagination to tell the story in their perspective. In the chapters with third person tell more about other people.

The one thing that I like most about this book is the use of the symbolization. The use of it is outstanding. Alvarez state that the country had to hang the picture of their dictator on the wall next to Christ. This shows that their dictator thought that he had the same power as Christ himself. Although people tried to stand up to him they where killed the addition of new charters was great too.

One of the things that I like most is the sisters. The one that I adore is Maria Teresa and her little book. In the beginning she start as a young girl be as the book get more in it she has mature in too as young woman. I can relate to one of the charters in the book. She start off young but the way that she mature she is beautiful. Someone fell in love with her and she I\end up getting pregnant and having his baby. She was then force to leave the school and live a life where no one can see her.

This book is not only about the life a four sisters but it is about the outreach of woman. The book is inspiring and fun to read. I enjoyed the book because it was easy for me to relate to some of the girls and the way that they live their life. Although I am a man a problem is a problem and me being a teen we all have the same problem. And that is how can we fit into society. This is one of the books that I would recommend to others. I feel that every one will be able to enjoy this book. I will love to reread this book because I feel next time I will get something else. This is one of those books that have hidden things in the lines and the words so I am going to read it again.

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Summary: I learned alot from "In the Time of Butterflies"
Review: I learned a lot from Julia Alvarez's "In the Time of Butterflies". More than anything I can walk away, after reading this book, with really knowing something about war and the Dominican Republic's government. These sisters were victims of the Reign of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. Alvarez writes this story from five different points of view (the Mariposa sisters). This gives you a sense of knowing each sister individually. Not only did I learn about actual facts, it gave me have a stronger sense of morality.
This book taught me so much about something I knew so little about. This book is based on real events and real people. It taught me about political prisoners and prisoners of war, during the Trujillo Reign. The Mariposa sisters were political prisoners during this time; it made me aware of the horrible conditions they had to deal with. In the book it shows the sisters internal struggle with conforming to the government or trying to make a difference and dealing with the horrific consequences. This encouraged me to learn more about war and political aspects of it.
Alvarez writes this book in a very interesting way. She writes it from each sister's points of view. The sisters are (from oldest to youngest) Patria, Minerva, Maria Teresa or Mate, and Dede. Each section is given to a sister to explain their view at the point in time in the book. Being written in this way leaves you asking a lot of questions at the end of each section. It also gives each sister more of a personality, and gives you the ability to relate to each one separately. Another strong point of Alvarez's style is her themes and metaphors. While reading this book it was interesting to find the themes throughout. The most important theme is the connection with the butterfly. These sisters are given the title of the Mariposa sisters or the butterfly sisters. This is very appropriate in that they are transforming constantly in each section
This book taught me so much about the importance of morality and it left me questioning what is the importance of the morality of society, especially in the hard times that our country is going through right. Reading this book truly taught me so much about the corrupt "governments" that are running the countries around the world. The saddest part is this book is based on real events and things are still like this. This book exposes the truth about such an important subject, and hopefully will be one step closer to making a difference. Each person that reads this book is one more person that is aware of such an important subject and the first step to helping this is learning about it.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in war, prisoners of war, or political prisoners. I also recommend it for the style of writing that Alvarez uses. Anybody that reads this book will most definitely get something out of it. This book has made me more passionate about learning about the basis of war and about truth behind it.

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Summary: My Thoughts
Review: "I just have to admit to myself, I am not you-no really, I mean it. I could be brave if someone where by me everyday of my life to remind me to be brave. I do not come by it naturally." "None of us do" "You are going to have to tell me where to turn" This quote was taken from the book , In The Time of The Butterflies, stated by, DeDe Mirabal. The sister who survived. Throughout the entire book, Julia Alvarez does such a wonderful job in using the best symbolism and imagery. Alvarez gives you just enough information to keep you hooked. She says things that make your imagination run wild. It is as if you can hear the sound of war drums off in the distance. The question at hand is whether or not I would recommend this book. And through thes review I hope that you can find my answer.

In the opening few sentences of my paper I used a quote from DeDe Mirabal saying how she longed to be brave, for the spirit, for the courage to be like the rest. In turn Manolo, another character on the book says, "You are going to have to tell me where to turn" Is that not ironic. The two quotes work together almost as good as saying there will be snow in Los Angelos. They are completely different. While DeDe is longing to be brave and does not think that she can do anything, Manolo puts the weight of the situation on her by giving her total control. You are going to have to tell me where to turn. This picture that Julia Alvarez creates, why does she do it. Why does she want you to use your imagination in such an in depth way.

Another thing Julia Alvarez uses is foreshadowing. Alvarez gives you just a little, nothing extremely obvious, just a little. But when the actual situation hits, your mind goes wild with so many questions. Like why did she let this happen., why did I not suspect this, I had all the information right in front of my face. "It seemed as if it had only been months, but it had only been a week since they had been living in the hell and terror of dreadful anticipation." This particular qoute is from the ladder part of her forshadowing. What does this bring to mind? What could have precdeed this qoute? What little hint could have been provided?
Speaking of foreshadowing, the title, In the Time of the Butterflies, what exactly does that mean. In what time, and why am I reading about butterflies. But in actuality she is speaking of the four sisters. Alvarez writes this with hints of spanish through out the entire book. Alvarez portrayed one of the sisters Minerva with a nickname Mariposa. Now, the nickname Mariposa comes up so much that you are forced to look the word up, and when you do, you realize it means butterfly. But lets break down what butterfly means: A butterfly isn't born first as a butterfly, it starts out as catterpiller, over time it evolves and turns into a cocoon and through more time it finally becomes a butterfly.
This imagery of the butterfly works hand in hand with the book the girl start off young and in-experienced, not knowing anything and evolve into very mature accomplished woman butterflies. I think the youngest sister Mate said it best when she said "Tears came to my eyes. Something big and powerful spread its wings inside me. Courage I told myself and this time I felt it." I hope that through reading my review that you will read Julia Alvarez's In the Time of the Butterflies with the same passion as I did.

Yvette C.M.

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Summary: In The Time of the Butterflies Review
Review: In In The Time of the Butterflies, author Julia Alvarez has provided us with a memorable book that exposes the reader to the horrible reign of the Dominican Republic's dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. This fictionalized account of and from the four Mirabal sisters pulls the reader right in to the harsh, militaristic world of the 1950-60s Dominican Republic. At the heart of this book is a harsh, interesting duality between naïve innocence and strong political ideals. This strong duality sets the stage for this books events and conclusion.

Alvarez uses a multitude of literary devices to her advantage, especially the technique of switching between narrators. The events in this book are seen and told from points of view of four distinct, individual characters; Dedé, Maria Theresa, Minerva, and Patria. Each sister has a very unique storytelling style, for example, Maria Theresa's chapters are written in diary format, whereas Patria's are told in abstract, non-linear ways. This technique keeps the reader guessing, and also gives the book a unique interest, in that events are seen from four different people's viewpoint. Each sister has a voice, and Alvarez's protean writing style complements this well. Dedé, the one sister who survived the Trujillo despotism, tells her chapters in a past tense/flashback style, and these chapters are often the most clear and narrative. Also, Alvarez gives the end of the story away in the beginning, so the reader is always waiting for November 25th, the fateful day of the three sisters assassinations. The characters are very well developed in this novel, but some of the minor characters jump in and out of the story too quickly to be identified well.

The sisters each have there own set of hardships to undertake. From Maria Theresa's political torture to Patria's loss of faith after a miscarriage, Alvarez gives each character a strong range of emotion, and from the beginning you sympathize with the sisters and their friends. Each character grows during these experiences, and this growth is a huge part of the book. "I have that longing, I guess. Sometimes before a holiday or a birthday party, I feel like I'm going to burst. But Minerva said that's not exactly what she meant."(Alvarez 32) Maria Theresa's move to maturity is the most striking. In the previous quote, she was very young, writing in to her Little Book about having a soul, but by the end of the book, "Something big and powerful spread its wings inside me. Courage, I told myself. And this time, I felt it."(Alvarez 238)

I would recommend that, while reading the novel, you both take notes and have a Spanish to English dictionary available, for Alvarez utilizes the Spanish language to emphasize certain words and phrases. Though these passages are not essential to the story, it is still nice to have an idea of what Alvarez is discussing. Alvarez's historical accuracy is somewhat precise, though admittedly she does alter names and dates. This history with a fictional slant is something I don't usually read, but this book holds its own among other true history books, which I myself gravitate to.

The story of the Dominican Republic is not very well known, and this book narrates some of the history. The novel also prompts you yourself to find out information of this island nation on your own, especially that of the rebel organizations. Julia Alvarez is a descendent of a victim of the Trujillo period, and her research in to the history of this country is unparalleled. Alvarez combines many historical sources in to this novel, including; poems, other non-fiction books, and interviews. Alvarez puts herself in to the book as the gringa dominicana, the interviewer of Dedé, who she truly did interview in preparation for this book. Alvarez also uses tremendous amounts of symbolism in this book. A few recurring symbols are very important to this books message. Las Mariposas (the butterflies), the codename the Mirabal sisters used, is a very strong image throughout the book. Each sister goes through her own metamorphosis and becomes a butterfly in her own right.

In the Time of the Butterflies is an interesting book that has at its center a strong duality between young naivety and strong political, judicious beliefs. Each sister tells her own story well, and undergoes tremendous growth throughout the book. The techniques Alvarez utilizes are in themselves a reason to read the book, but the events that unfold are very close to that of our times, and strike the reader very deeply. This book captures the reader's attention through the sisters' tremendous journey and emotions, and is a great read for any high school student or older.

Rating:
Summary: A Story of Hope and Inspiration
Review: The scorching red flames of power, and passion scream from inside the pages of Julia AlvarezÕs novel, ÒIn the Time of the Butterflies.Ó Alvarez elegantly weaves together history, feminism, family ties, and love together into a heart warming historically based fiction. Readers seeking an inspirational boost should definitely look into taking part in the adventure this book has to offer.
Some might say that spoilers in a book review are quite possibly the most dreadful thing on earth. But how can you not give a spoiler when the author brilliantly does it for you herself, right there in the BEGINNING of her novel? Alvarez successfully pushes you to the edge of your seat from moment number one. She GIVES you the ending and when it will occur- date and everything. Even the basic idea of HOW it will happen. But, she slyly leaves out one important deal. WHY DID IT HAPPEN?? Alvarez has thoughtfully written the book in chronological order, so you as the reader are yearning to flip to the date you know will be a climax. She has you trapped in her web. While Alvarez has you riding her roller coaster of intensity, she takes the time to make your mouth water with the aura of her descriptive language as well. For example:
ÒShe remembers a clear moonlit night before the future began. They are sitting in the cool darkness under the anacahuita tree in the front yard, in the rockers, telling stories, drinking guanabana juice. Good for the nerves, Mama always says.Ó
(Dede, pg. 8)
Do you not long to be under that tree, drinking that juice, surrounded by that serenity?
ÒHer life had gotten bound up with a domineering man, and so she shrank from the challenge her sisters were giving her. Dede sent Patria a note: Sorry, Jaimito says no. And for weeks afterwards, she avoided her sisters.Ó (Dede, pg. 177)
In this passage, a very common flaw of society is shown quite clearly- the idea that men dominate over women. Dede wishes to help her sisters, but the fact that her husband wont let her completely stops her. Dede Mirabal is just one character of the book. Her sisters, on the other hand, seem to be butterflies of the start of modern day feminism. They do not take no for an answer, always standing up for their beliefs. They know whatÕs right and wrong in their hearts, and will risk their lives to keep right separated from wrong. They shine ideals of feminism not only through political happenings, but personal as well; the sisters have an immense strength dealing with personal problems, such as loosing a child, loosing friendship, wobbly sisterhood.
ÒIn the Time of the Butterflies.Ó This title might have somebody confused and wondering, ÒHuh? What? There are always butterflies, why are the sisters referred to as butterflies? Are the colorful and spotted?Ó This title excellently ties together the mood and theme of the book. Throughout AlvarezÕs novel, the mood is hopeful. Extremely hopeful. Through times of hardship, you as a reader will always have a gleam of knowing in your eye, knowing that the girls will get through whatever they are dealing with, ÒThey are strong! They can do it!Ó And what is usually associated with butterflies? Beauty, grace, and hope. After a long rainstorm, you see a butterfly come out, and know that it will not be dark and cloudy forever; the butterfly will bring you sunshine(HOPE!). Similarly, the idea of a butterfly outstandingly represents the theme of the novel, which is also hope and strength. And along come our butterflies, shining hope and sunshine into everybody's lives...family, political prisoners....the whole bunch of them.
Julia Alvarez has done an outstanding job writing, ÒIn the Time of the Butterflies.Ó It is WELL worth your read. Be prepared to fly through a tornado of emotions; fear, passion, wonder, romance, but most of all, hope. This book will leave you wanting to start your own political movement, wanting to be one of the Mirabal sisters.

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Summary: Float like a butterfly sting like a bee
Review: "In the Time of the Butterflies"
By Julia Alvarez

Set in the Dominican Republic during a time of great political struggle, this fact-based fictional novel by Julia Alvarez tells of the Miribal sisters and their fierce opposition to the General Trujillo's dictatorship. While the events are accurate in a broad sense, Alvarez has developed her own versions of the Mirabal sisters. Told in the first person, this novel is written in a way that makes it seem as if the sisters are telling their own stories. In the Generation X era, where everyone is out for themselves, it is refreshing to read about women who were devoted mothers and sisters with a political conscience. Not just a cause, but these women were on a mission. A mission that ends sadly in their execution, a martyrdom that quite possibly spawned a revolution that ultimately freed a country from the rage of a tyrant.

Although sad at times, for the most part this book is uplifting and inspiring. A careful examination of the lives of the sisters, reveals privileged young women who trade in their easy lives for ones of terrible hardship and danger in order to resist Trujillo's bloody dictatorship. In the Time of the Butterflies takes place in the Dominican Republic, a tropical paradise inhabited by "las mariposas" or butterflies and as the title suggests and as we have observed each summer, butterflies only live for a short season. But the journey from caterpillar to butterfly is a glorious affair, punctuated by the complex process of reproduction, the majestic freedom and beauty of the butterfly and the inevitable death that seems to occur at the peak of ecstasy. The book starts with a description of the life of Minerva who has a personal reason to dislike Trujillo. She was forced to resist his unwanted sexual advances. Patria, whose revolutionary activities resulted from Trujillo's violation of her moral and religious beliefs, provides the spiritual underpinnings for the sisters. The third sister, Maria Teresa, joined her two older sisters in part to follow a man she had fallen in love with. The fourth sister, chose not to join the revolution and ended up being the only one left to tell the courageous story of the butterflies.

This story is not just about the rebellion but also about sisterly love, motherhood, and a desire for their children to have a chance for a better life. Because Alvarez writes this from each girls perspective, she provides a more potent portrait of the Mirabal sisters than any biography could and also a powerful condemnation of the Trujillo dictatorship. By using this way of writing she is able to humanize and make more immediate these distant events. But more important than the bothersome fact that the author has fictionalized (some might say corrupted for her own purpose) historical events, she has highlighted for Americans a cultural event that would otherwise miss the radar screen. And in so doing, make these women role models for all women fighting against injustice of all kinds. Alvarez's writing style is controlled and clear, a perfect match for the tale that she creates. Thus, the fascinating story, and courageous events described in this book is sufficient cause, however, for non-Dominicans this book may be the best way to introduce the cultural and political revolution that has lead to the modern day Dominican Republic. In the end, I can't help but recall the Muhammad Ali quote; "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" because this is how this book affected me.

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Summary: Historical content
Review: Many major historical events have been overlooked throughout history. People that have made major contributions to politics have gone without recognition. The media and many history books fail to get important events to the general public. Some information can only be found in other sources.
One example is the book In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. In her book she gives the reader incite into conflicts of the Dominican Republic. Alvarez focuses on four sisters who made a great contribution to struggles of their country. This book is historical fiction. Many of the facts are true but fine details have been added that the author could not gain from her research.
The names of the sister are Maria Terisa, Minerva, Dede, and Patria. In the beginning of the book they seem unlikely to have a major conflict with the government. But as the dictator of the Dominican Republic during the 1940's and 1950's named Trujiillo becomes more involved in the sister's lives they are rapidly caught in political affairs. The result is imprisonment and death. Yet despite all of the risks they stand up for what they believe in.
What makes this book so powerful is how the author describes each character in a unique way. This gives the reader a personal connection with them.Literature such as In the Time of the Butterflies is very important. It communicates a message that might not have been heard by many individuals otherwise. Though they are recognized in much of south america, many north americans don't know their story. By writing this book Alvarez has done a great service to the society of all nations. In the Time of the the Butterflies is a widely read book. Many people who are not familiar with the struggles of the main characters will be introduced to the reality of political corruption and it's affects on a nation.

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Summary: "Butterflies" Is Beautiful
Review: In the Time of the Butterflies is an intriguing, historically based story, which appears to be an underemphasized subject in the United States. Not much is written on the dictator Trujillo, or the people who rebelled against him for that matter. The fictional first person accounts of the Mirabal sister's opposition to Trujillo's reign are a remarkable way to weave a poetic story of an actual historic event. Julia Alavarez's Dominican background was helpful, as well as her time spent interviewing the last surviving Mirabal sister, Dede. Although this novel is recommended for its incredible story of defiance, I caution readers to be careful and observant while reading because of certain transitions that might lead to confusion. Also, Alvarez's personal style of writing is wonderful in many ways, yet she fails with some stylistic choices.
The novel is separated by individual perspectives of each Mirabal sister. The characters have distinguishable traits, but their actual voices are way too similar in style to be believable. Instead, it feels more like Alvarez is the mind behind it all, using her same sense of poeticism and imagery for all four sisters. She tends to add small anecdotes that would be common tendencies for each sister, yet they seem too forced at times. For example, Minerva is always speaking of having to hold herself back because of her bold nature, or Patria always speaks to God. Then there is Maria Teresa and her love of clothes and shoes, and Dede who lacks bravery. The character's personalities are distinct, but their own ways of describing themselves are not present. Alvarez wants to give a good amount of characterization which is great, but she would have been better off writing in one perspective since she cannot pull off these separate voices.
In its entirety the novel is clear and comprehensible, that is until the passages written in Dede's point of view. Her passages are the only ones with transitions between the past and present, and at times it is not executed well enough. It can become a bit confusing what place in time is being presented, so just be aware of the lines that separate present to past flashbacks. As long as one keeps alert to these time changes, the confusion can be avoided.
There may be some flaws to the way In the Time of the Butterflies was written, but Alvarez's talents cannot be overlooked. Along the way she constantly drops hints, and foreshadows to the inevitability of the Mirabal sister's deaths. She does this in an outstanding way, leaving the reader incredibly curious to discover what's to come. From the very first chapter Alvarez tantalizes you to read on, "By the time it is over it will be the past, and she doesn't want to be the only one left to tell their story."(p.10) A need to find out why Dede is the only surviving sister begins in the first chapter, and the novel becomes a page turner, that never fails to excite. Alvarez also uses some striking metaphoric qualities. There is of course the obvious metaphor of the sisters being butterflies, or 'La Mariposas', in Spanish. She depicts them as free-spirited, yet delicate and easily damaged. "... an overgrown fat boy, ashamed of himself for kicking the cat and pulling the wings off butterflies."(p. 217). This quote refers to Officer Pena, a man under Trujillo's regime, who is one of the many who tries to destroy La Mariposas. If anything the novel should be read for Alvarez's approach in telling such an important story.
The Mirabal sisters were political martyrs working together as a family. Julia Alavarez shows these sisters though with human qualities. She may have some weak points in her novel, but moreover it is a powerful, marvelous effort to combine fact and fiction. Not only does the story itself touch the hearts of those who read it, but Alvarez's elegant words complete it.