Nick Jessop’s Reviews > Before We Were Free > Status Update

In this chapter I learned that Tio Toni and Papi are dead. It was very sad because Trujillo Junior and the SIM shot Papi and Tio Toni while they were drunk. I was not surprised because it was hinted by Chucha at the beginning of the book that they would die or not be free. However I was Surprised that Mr. Washburn showed up to deliver the bad news.

Anita's diary entries have really helped me understand her and her mom's situation. I have also learned a lot about their personalities and their views on the assassination of El Jefe. It seems that Anita is coming to terms with her situation and is realizing what her dad and other were working towards. Overall it is very interesting watching Anita mature.

I have started reading Anita's diary and it gives a very interesting perspective. She seems to be struggling to get alone time or to be free because she is hiding from the SIM. I think that Papi and Tio Toni will die but I think Anita and her mother will make it to the US. Overall I am enjoying this book.

This chapter was very exciting because Anita's house was raided by the SIM. The SIM raided their house and captured Tio Toni and Papi. However Papi, Tio Toni and others assassinated El Jefe. I think Papi will be killed because in the beginning of the book Anita talked about how Papi stays behind. Also Chucha's dream made it seem like Papi would never be free.

I think this chapter was pretty crazy. I really confused why the cops didn't arrest Mr. Washburn because his car was filled with weapons. He seemed very nervous when they got in a car crash. I think this is a turning point in the book because it seems as though everyone is leaving the Dominican Republic. Overall this book is getting very intense.

I was most surprised about El Jefe showing up to the party. I also learned that Tio Toni is secretly still living in the compound. I was kinda surprised that he was still alive and it was good to know who was living in the cabin. I also noticed a common trend, maturing.

This chapter has been pretty interesting. I have learned that there is an embargo against the Dominican Republic so they can't get certain foods. The thing that surprised me is that Carla sent a letter to Anita. I think that is bad because I think that the SIM controls the compounds mail. I also think Anita might be losing her relationship with Sammy because she has to lie to him a lot and he is making new friends.

I found this chapter exiting because I learned the importance of El Jefe and the SIM has moved in. I wondered why she kept mentioning him but now I know that her Uncle planned something that could take him out of power. I don't think that the SIM are the good kind of police because there leader is El Jefe. The new neighbors seem very nice and Anita already has a good relationship with Sammy. S

So far I have enjoyed this book because it is very fast paced. I also enjoyed that the first chapter was to the point. I am still trying to figure out why Carla and her family are leaving. I assumed that they would leave for a better life but they seem to have a nice life in the Dominican Republic.