BOTM Aug 2025 In the Time of Butterflies

[Celia]

Set in the Dominican Republic under Trujillo’s dictatorship, this historical novel brings the Mirabal sisters to life—women who resist oppression through courage and solidarity. Told from multiple perspectives, it weaves themes of family, sacrifice, activism, and hope in the face of authoritarianism.

The novel takes place in the Dominican Republic, both in 1994 and under the Trujillo regime. In 1994, Dedé Mirabal lives in the house where her three sisters used to live. The dead sisters are known as the “butterflies,” and they are martyrs and national heroes.

[GailW]

I read this years ago and remembered that I loved it, but oh so heartbreaking. I am a big fan of the author, having read a number of her books.

[Rosemarie]

I also read this years ago and loved it. I'm also a fan of Julia Alvarez.
There's an excellent film version of In the Time of the Butterflies.

[Gail]

Oh, I didn't know about the film version. I will look for that, thank you. I also loved this book but it is the only one of hers that I have read. What others do you recommend?

[Rosemarie]

How the García Girls Lost Their Accents was a fun read for me, but it has mixed reviews on goodreads. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yo! is the sequel and just as good.

[GailW]

I agree with Rosemarie about How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents and Yo!. I also read Saving the World, which I gave 5 stars.