From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Before We Were Free

Julia Alvarez

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May 24, 2015 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: travel-the-world

Anita de la Torre lives with her extended family in the Dominican Republic during the increasing cruel Trujillo dictatorship. Most of her family has escaped to the U.S., but she and her immediate family stay to "take care of the store", which Anita finds out means working with the underground resistance. ...more

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Dec 05, 2020 Lisa of Hopewell marked it as to-read

I learned of this book here: https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/... ...more

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Jan 28, 2011 Ruth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya-read, favorites

A beautiful and heart-renching novel.

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Dec 24, 2009 Katie rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult, ___latin-america, female-author, __caribbean

This is the story of a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo regime. Her entire family is heavily involved with the opposition movement, and many of them have fled to the United States. I love the voice of the main character. She is struggling with the normal issues of a young teenager, while also living under an oppressive regime where much of her family is in very real danger. A good read for adults, both young and old.

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