(Steeplechase + BWF) In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - 4 stars

[Ellen]

During the dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic the Mirabal sisters became infamous for their political leanings against el Jefe Trujillo. Three of the girls, Miverva, Patria and Maria Theresa, along with their husbands were under near constant surveillance from guards and informants. One sister, Dede, longed to belong to the movement with her sisters, her husband refused to get involved which left Dede with no choice but to remain the practical sister who stayed behind and cared for her children and her nieces and nephews. This fictionalized account of their lives begins when they were youngsters up to the murders of the three revolutionary women. Dede, the one left behind, becomes the keeper of the Mirabal sisters memories, or the Butterflies as they were known by their code name, and a stalwart protector of Dominican history.

I enjoyed this story very much, tragic though it was. The bravery of these women is quite astounding even during their incarceration in prison. The author does a fine job of bringing the sisters to life as well as the tumultuous times during Trujillo's dictatorship.

[Joanne]

I loved this book, even with all sadness. Nice review of one of my all favorties

[Booknblues]

I too, loved this book when I read it ages ago. It was deeply moving.