Helen's review
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
I'm not an Alvarez fan, but I enjoyed getting a fictionalized glimpse into a part of Dominican Republican history. Once again, I was so frustrated by history. This story is the same story in so many countries. But, I was encouraged in Alvarez's afterword when she commented that she gave herself room to fictionalize the characters because the Maribel sisters have become so mythic that they are almost superhuman, but through her book, we can see that any one of us can be as courageous as Patria, Dede, Minerva, and Mate.
And although, this book really is a 3 for me, I gave it 4 stars because of the afterword and the epilogue. Dede comes full circle if she, not Minerva, is the courageous one afterall. We all want the passion and dedication of the Minerva's, but what of the Dede's who live (sometimes the harder choice) and carry on the story?
And although, this book really is a 3 for me, I gave it 4 stars because of the afterword and the epilogue. Dede comes full circle if she, not Minerva, is the courageous one afterall. We all want the passion and dedication of the Minerva's, but what of the Dede's who live (sometimes the harder choice) and carry on the story?
A beautiful synopsis - your ideas are poignant and true...Dede truly is the real hero of the story. Thanks. Jan
Your review is so much deeper than mine, that I feel silly. But I agree with you, and I'm sorry I couldn't attend the discussion. I get so much more out of a book when I hear other's perspectives.
