- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
In the early 1960s in the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Anita learns that her family is involved in the underground movement to end the bloody rule of the dictator, General Trujillo.
Alvarez has often said that the immigrant experience was the crucible that turned her into a writer. Her struggle with the nuances of the English language made her deeply conscious of the power of words, and exposure to books and reading sharpened both her imagination and her storytelling skills. She graduated summa cum laude from Middlebury College in 1971, received her M.F.A. from Syracuse University, and spent the next two decades in the education field, traveling around the country with the poetry-in-the-schools program and teaching English and Creative Writing to elementary, high school, and college students.
Alvarez's verse began to appear in literary magazines and anthologies, and in 1984, she published her first poetry collection, Homecoming. She had less success marketing her novel -- a semiautobiographical story that traced the painful assimilation of a Dominican family over a period of more than 30 eventful years. A series of 15 interconnected stories that unfold in reverse chronological order, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents addresses, head-on, the obstacles and challenges immigrants face in adapting to life in a new country.
It took some time for "ethnic" literature to gain enough of a foothold in the literary establishment for Alvarez's agent, a tireless champion of minority authors, to find a publisher. But when the novel was released in 1991, it received strongly positive reviews. And so, at the tender age of 41, Alvarez became a star. Three years later, she proved herself more than a "one-hit wonder," when her second novel, In the Time of Butterflies was nominated for the prestigious National Book Critics Circle Award. Since then, she has made her name as a writer of remarkable versatility, juggling novels, poetry, children's books, and nonfiction with equal grace and aplomb. She lives in Vermont, where she serves as a writer in residence at her alma mater, Middlebury College. In addition, she and her husband run a coffee farm in the Dominican Republic that hosts a school to teach the local farmers and their families how to read and write.
She has held positions as a professor of creative writing and English at Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts (1979-81), the University of Vermont (1981-83), and the University of Illinois (1985-88).
In 1984, Alvarez was the Jenny McKean Moore Visiting Writer at George Washington University. Currently, she is a professor of English at Middlebury College.
She and her husband run a coffee farm, Alta Gracia, in the Dominican Republic.
1. Throughout the book, Anita watches her mother to judge the situation in the compound. Her mother often changes her approach to Anita–sometimes treating her as an adult, sometimes as a child. Why do you feel Anita’s mother does that? How does Anita react, and how do you think she would like to be treated? Do you feel she is old enough to be hearing the truth, or should her mother shelter her more?
2. In the beginning of the book, Anita’s extended family suddenly flees the country, leaving only Anita and her immediate family behind. The family lives in a compound and is extremely close. What role does the family, immediate and extended, play in this book? Does Anita realize that not everyone has the relationship her family experiences?
3. Anita is at a stage of her life where questioning authority becomes a common occurrence. In this book, there are several different authority figures that are forcing her to behave in certain ways, such as the government, the opposition army, and her family. How does she deal with this authority? How does she get around some of the rules?
4. Anita and her sister have a typical relationship that most readers can understand. Does this attitude toward each other represent a determination to keep a certain level of normalcy in a very frightening and often dangerous situation? How do both of their attitudes change once the quinceañera occurs?
5. Discuss the importance of the compound in this book, specifically the loss of the family’s freedom to go outside the gates, as well as the areas inside the compound that were off limits.
6. In order to shield the rest of the family, Anita’s fatherand the group running the opposition speak outside of the house, not realizing that Anita’s window is right next to their meeting place. How did hearing these conversations affect Anita? Do you feel she was better off knowing the truth, or did the whole situation make her grow up faster than necessary?
7. After the compound becomes unsafe for Anita and her family, Anita and her mother secretly move to a safe house location and live in a closet. Compare this experience to historical events that caused people to go into hiding, to be detained because of their beliefs or nationalities, and to be threatened with death. Is there any particular person that she reminds you of?
8. Anita befriends an American boy, Sam. At her tender age of 12, she is divided between her child-like view of the world and her adult emotions. How does her ever-changing view of life affect her relationship with Sam and with her friend Oscar, who is from her country?
9. What role does American culture play in this novel? Specifically, discuss the quinceañera and the Sweet Sixteen rites of passage and the idea that Anita and her family recognize American holidays, such as Thanksgiving.
10. At the end of the novel, Anita has lost some of her family to the violence in her native country. How does she feel about the sacrifice that her family had to make? Does she truly understand the impact that her family made on her country’s history?
1. Throughout the book, Anita watches her mother to judge the situation in the compound. Her mother often changes her approach to Anita–sometimes treating her as an adult, sometimes as a child. Why do you feel Anita’s mother does that? How does Anita react, and how do you think she would like to be treated? Do you feel she is old enough to be hearing the truth, or should her mother shelter her more?
2. In the beginning of the book, Anita’s extended family suddenly flees the country, leaving only Anita and her immediate family behind. The family lives in a compound and is extremely close. What role does the family, immediate and extended, play in this book? Does Anita realize that not everyone has the relationship her family experiences?
3. Anita is at a stage of her life where questioning authority becomes a common occurrence. In this book, there are several different authority figures that are forcing her to behave in certain ways, such as the government, the opposition army, and her family. How does she deal with this authority? How does she get around some of the rules?
4. Anita and her sister have a typical relationship that most readers can understand. Does this attitude toward each other represent a determination to keep a certain level of normalcy in a very frightening and often dangerous situation? How do both of their attitudes change once the quinceañera occurs?
5. Discuss the importance of the compound in this book, specifically the loss of the family’s freedom to go outside the gates, as well as the areas inside the compound that were off limits.
6. In order to shield the rest of the family, Anita’s fatherand the group running the opposition speak outside of the house, not realizing that Anita’s window is right next to their meeting place. How did hearing these conversations affect Anita? Do you feel she was better off knowing the truth, or did the whole situation make her grow up faster than necessary?
7. After the compound becomes unsafe for Anita and her family, Anita and her mother secretly move to a safe house location and live in a closet. Compare this experience to historical events that caused people to go into hiding, to be detained because of their beliefs or nationalities, and to be threatened with death. Is there any particular person that she reminds you of?
8. Anita befriends an American boy, Sam. At her tender age of 12, she is divided between her child-like view of the world and her adult emotions. How does her ever-changing view of life affect her relationship with Sam and with her friend Oscar, who is from her country?
9. What role does American culture play in this novel? Specifically, discuss the quinceañera and the Sweet Sixteen rites of passage and the idea that Anita and her family recognize American holidays, such as Thanksgiving.
10. At the end of the novel, Anita has lost some of her family to the violence in her native country. How does she feel about the sacrifice that her family had to make? Does she truly understand the impact that her family made on her country’s history?
Anonymous
Posted September 11, 2008
I found the book to have a little bit of everything in it. It had culture, suspense, sad moments, and good times. I'm not Hispanic myself, but there were plenty things I could relate to other than the hardships Anita and her family went through dealing with their dictator. I think everyone can gain something from this book. I don't think you should consider it boring, but then again that's your opinion. Personally, I think a book can't be boring, it just might not be your type of book because all authors strive to catch a reader's attention.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 16, 2008
Julia ALverez's Before We Were Free is an excellend and very exciting novel. The book is about a young girl names Anita de la torre. Anita is a 12 year old girl who grew up in the Dominican Republic under the dictatorship of Jrujillo in the 1960's. Her whole life Anita has lived in a family compound built by her grandfather. Each time one of her cousins or other relatives married her grandfather would build another house in the compound. Anitas grandparents recently emmigrated for New York to get out of the country but she had no idea why. The contry is going through a tough time under the cruel dictatorship of Trujillo. Anitas uncle Tio Toni has to go into hiding and stay out of public. Anitas cousins and the rest of their families have also emmigrated for New York. The compound is almost completely empty with the departure of Anitas relatives. All that remains are Anita, Lucinda her sister, Mundin her brother, her mom, her dad, Chucha and Tio Toni shows up from time to time. Soon after Anitas faily and their house are searched and raided by the SIM secret police. They are watched for weeks and papa is also followed to work by a couple of all black volkswagons. The only thing Anita can do to feel free is write down everything in her diary. A couple weeks after the raid Anita and her family are getting new neighbors, the Washburn family. Anita and her family feel a lot more comfortable now that the secret police have left. After this many events come into place, Anita meets the Washburns son Sam and realizes she has met her first love, after recieving flowers from the cruel Trujillo Anitas sister Lucinda is deported out of the Donican Republic so she is not taken away from her family, Mundin now has to live with the Italian embassador now that the family is in danger, and after all the secret talk in Tio Tonis casseta him and papi set out to kill Trujillo. Now Anits and her mother cannot even stay in their home. They remain in their friends closet in hiding for months only coming out to eat scraps of food and to drink. Throughout this book Anita is growing up very fast. She is starting to realize what is going on around her but all she wants to do is gain her freedom. I really enjoyed this book. My mind got captured into the story and my attention was grabbed by the interesting writing style of the author. I would definetely recommend this book because it teaches people a lot of knowledge about the horrific yet exciting struggle of Dominican families during the dictatorship of Trujillo. I learned from this book to keep fighting for what you believe in and dont give up.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 16, 2008
Anita de la Torre is a 12 year old girl from the Dominican Republic. The dictator of her country is cruel and brutal. Anita's father and Tio Toni have put together a group of the Dominican's bravest men to take down the infamous leader, Trujillo. This secret organization is being watched closely by the SIM, or secret police. If anyone found out about the secret organization, or its plan, Anita's whole family would be murdered. Most of Anita's relatives have already fled to the United States to protect their lives. The only family she has left in the D.R. is her mother, father, brother, Chucha, and Lucinda. Chucha has been the family's maid since Anita was a baby. Chucha has a premonition about the events to come in the following year, she tells Anita that Anita, her mother, her brother, and Anita's sister will all spread their wings and fly home soon. As the secret organization comes closer to bringing down the dictator, things around the de la Torre house hold become very tense. Anita starts to feel like she is being treated like a child because no one wants to explain the horrific things that are happening. Also Anita's mother is trying to protect her from worrying, fearing she is too young to handle what could be a fatal outcome of the mens plans. Anita is not to worried about whats going on around her, not just because she doesn't completely understand, but because the United States consul just moved in next door. The consul has a son Anita's age named Sammy. Anita thinks she has fallen in love with Sammy and they become best friends. But when the consul gets involved with the secret plans of the group, they flee back to the U.S. for safety. Anita is heart broken, losing yet another loved one to the U.S. Previous to Sammy's departure, Anita's older sister was sent to the U.S. because she was being watched by Trujillo. Trujillo kept many young women hidden at his golf club, because he knew that his wife would never find his young love interests there. Lucinda was quickly sent to live with her aunt and uncle in New York, avoiding becoming one of Trujillo's women. Will the men over throw the dictator? Will they live to see their country freed? Will Anita spread her wings and fly? I highly recommend Before We Were Free because its a very interesting book. There's a lot of twists and turns in this novel, and it will leave you hungry for more. Julia Alvarez leaves you hanging on her every word, and with each new chapter, comes a new outlook on life.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It's a touching book and I recommend it to everyone.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 5, 2011
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is a book I would not recommend. The beginning was slow to read, and only after page 98 did it become more interesting. Before that this historical fiction was not a page turner or a book I was rushing to finish. Once you read past the information and descriptions of the characters in the first part of the book, it turns into a slightly better story.
With all the reviews I read prior to selecting this book I did not think it would have included anything about puberty. "In fact, I'm not a señorita, as I haven¿t gotten my period yet.¿(page 59). The paragraph and other parts of the book continue on with information that was not relevant to the book at all. I found it strange to have paragraphs like this randomly mentioned throughout the book. I never would have guessed it was in there when I first picked up the book, and I don¿t think it needed to be included in the book.
Also, there were some groups in the book whose significance were never clarified. ¿Long live the butterflies!¿ (page 98). I figured they would tell us who the butterflies were somewhere in the book, but it never did. It confused me because the butterflies were brought up quite often. Another group that was never revealed who they were was the SIM. ¿I can¿t talk about the SIM¿s visit or my cousins¿ leaving for New York.¿ (page 30). Throughout the book they only refer to them as the SIM and I never knew who the really were. All that was revealed was that they worked for the government but I did not know why or who they were, which got confusing.
Another thing that bothered me was the different styles of writing Alvarez used. During most of the book she wrote in first person as the events were happening, towards the end she switched it to just diary entries. I do not think that it was necessary to change to just all diary entries. There seemed to be better language and more information in her regular style writings.
There were some good things in this book, I liked how well the characters were described. I also enjoyed the insight into the 1960¿s troubles in Puerto Rico and their history. I also liked her use of metaphors. I felt like I knew Anita and was friends with her at some points in the story. Also, I learned about the history or Puerto Rico and how El Jefe controlled the land. Although it did not explain what some of the Spanish words used meant, I was left guessing or looking them up which distracted me from the flow of the story and history about her family and the country. Sometimes it said it after in english and sometimes it did not. I was annoyed that it was not consistent. My overall favorite part of the book was the great metaphors Alvarez used as on page 103. ¿The organ music plays on, like a funeral that will not quit.¿ I loved this metaphor and thought it was great and fit what was happening well. She was like an artist with her words throughout the book and seems like a talented author.
This is the first book I have read by Julia Alvarez. Although I did not really like the book, I think she is a great writer. The book had a slow beginning, randomly thrown in information, choppy points and chapters, but Alvarez did include some great metaphors, similes, language and background information into Puerto Rico¿s history. The history, types of writing and plot of the story just did not fit together well. This book would not be highly recommended by me to read, but I would recommend reading other
Rose28RH
Posted August 22, 2011
Love her writing style and this book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.4134340
Posted June 28, 2011
This book constructively portrays the history of my Dominican Republic in an entertaining yet realistic manner. Loved it, Alvarez is an illustrious author, my absolute favorite.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.chacha24
Posted February 24, 2011
Have read the books written before & after. This makes sense if you have read In the time of the Butterflies & are interested in the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic--which I am..
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Abbey_Sullivan
Posted December 15, 2010
Random House, Inc. publishing company made the right decision in publishing Julia Alvarez's 2002 novel, Before We Were Free. In this engrossing 163-page novella, the reader follows the struggle of 12-year-old Anita and her family's grueling quest for freedom. As the narrator of the story, it is easy to begin to understand and feel for Anita. Being the daughter of a hero radically opposing the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, she feels pressure that should never be felt by a girl of her age. All she wants is to be free, and that means leaving her country for the United States. Throughout the novel she survives things that even the strongest of people would find horrifying, living in appalling conditions and suffering great losses. Most will find it difficult to resist gaining respect for this resilient young girl. Anita, too, must face the difficult challenge of growing up while in the midst of her fight for freedom. The reader quickly develops affection for Anita as she awkwardly makes the jump from child to young woman. Because she keeps a diary, you get to know her innermost secrets and look into her world and the emotions she feels while going through such a confusing time, and therefore it is as though you connect with her on a very personal level. I liked the book because of its surprising twists and turns, which kept me captivated and itching to read on. At one point, the book turns into Anita's Diary for a few pages, which was unique and provided further insight into her mind. From watching her fall in love (more than once) to finding out about her family's double life, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. The ending was phenomenal. Julia Alvarez uses stunning symbolism here, as Anita stares out of her window looking at the snow angels she had made earlier. "What I see as I look down aren't angels but butterflies, the arm swings connecting to the leg swings like a pair of wings, our heads poking out in between! I'm sure if Chucha were here, she would say they are a sign. Four butterflies from Papi, reminding me to fly." Flying to freedom and away from her dictator are all she strives for through the entire story. This little metaphor was both cute and meaningful, illustrating her drive to be free. I learned a lot from this book. For example, I never knew how desperate the people of the Dominican Republic were or how they were treated. I found out that people actually suffered the trauma represented through the book, and were driven to almost unthinkable things. I learned a few Spanish words as well, that were scattered in italics throughout the novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a thrilling novel that makes you think. It's a gut-wrenching and suspenseful tale that makes you feel like you are there seeing and experience the unjust treatment plaguing the impoverished country of the Dominican Republic. Before We Were Free is a quick, easy read that could be enjoyed by most.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 13, 2010
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is an interesting and gripping novel for many reasons. It tells the story of twelve-year old Anita de la Toree in the 1960's. Her and her family and friends are living in the Dominican Republic, and are living through the civil unrest and revolution under the authority of General Trujillo. Anita's cousins, sister, and friends are forced to leave the Dominican Republic, her school closes, and she eventually must hide from the secret police that are terrorizing families because of suspected resistance to General Trujillo. Anita writes in her journal, "We're in the crawl space- and I'm scribbling down this note by flashlight just in case anyone finds this diary- There was a huge roar in the backyard like a plane landing- now a crashing sound at the downstairs door- Oh my god- they're coming through the house!!!!- My hand is shaking so hard- but I want to leave this record just so the world knows-" (Alvarez, 137). Anita soon finds that no one can be trusted and she must suffer through life as her freedom is taken away from her and her people. She quickly discovers her own family's part in a secret movement against their leader, and while all this is going on, she is growing into a young woman.
Next, Anita experiences crushes and learns how to grow up. Told through Anita's point of view, Alvarez shows a story of a young girl growing up through extreme transformations with herself and her country. Anita says toward the end of the novel, ".it doesn't seem scary to die, I think it's scarier to be alive, especially when you feel that you'll never be as happy and carefree as when you were a little kid" (Alvarez, 162). This quote expresses that Anita goes through things that make her realize that life is tough, it's not always going to be fun and relaxed. Next, earlier on in the story, her mother reassures Anita by stating, "And someday, we will be free, and all your cousins and aunts and uncles will come back and thank us" (Alvarez, 52). Also, Anita says, "The emptiness inside starts filling with a strong love and a brave pride" (Alvarez 163). These statements express the sacrifices one has to make for the people we love and the immense pride and gratitude people can have for others.
Although written in English, Julia Alvarez uses many cultural words and phrases through out the novel, such as, "Es mi hijita", or it's my little girl. Before We Were Free is inspiring and captivating. I read it for a school project and I soon found that I couldn't put it down. Towards the end it emphasizes on the hardships of life and the risks and challenges a person must go through to help others. This novel tells the tale of a strong, young girl who was forced to grow up much to fast and her family as they stuck close together and stayed strong. Lastly, it can inspire readers to realize how much they have and to not take anything for granted. If you enjoy compelling and heartwarming stories, then Before We Were Free is the book for you.
Anita is almost twelve years old, and can't wait to grow up. But now that she stands on the edges of the adult world, nothing seems so simple and so good anymore. El Jefe, whom she once thought the great leader of her country, is a monster. Her parents and their friends speak in code. Everyone is afraid. Change is coming, not just for Anita, but for her family and the Dominican Republic, and Anita must find the courage to face it.
Before We Were Free is an engaging portrait of a young girl's growing awareness of what it means to live in the Dominican Republic dictatorship. Despite a bit of a slow start, Julia Alvarez does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the scary, sad, and sweet moments that shape Anita's adolescence.
ConnorP
Posted April 27, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez was published in 2007 and shows the true struggle of freedom and emotion. The book takes place in the 1960's in the Dominican Republic under the cruel dictatorship of Trujillo. The narrator which is Anita de la Torre a twelve year old girl living in her family compound of her parents,siblings,cousins,uncle,aunts and the Washburns. Anita is confused with the coming and going of her Father and her Tio Toni, strange phone calls and the always talking of butterflies. Anita is now no longer confused of the meaning of butterflies when the SIM (secret police) raid the compound. Anita soon learns her family is part of an underground group plotting against there countries dictator. Anita now has no freedom being constantly watched by the SIM and knowing that if they discover anything about her family her family will be murdered. Soon the SIM finds the assasinated dictator in the familys car. Her family is now being ripped apart and arrested by the dozens. Anita and her mother are the only ones left and Anita doesn't know what will happen to her country, her family and her life.
I liked this book and would recommend it because the book reminded me of the diary of Anne Frank. Anne Frank and Anita have so much in common in the emotional pain and the fight for freedom. Much of Before we were Free is like Anne Frank book because many chapters in before we were free have a diary like format. Overall i enjoyed this book.
Adriana152
Posted December 14, 2009
Julia Alverez's novel Before We Were Free is about a 12 year old girl named Anita de la Torre. Anita grew up in the Dominican Republic in a compound with her family. Growing up Anita has so many things she wants to do before she turns 13. She seems to have a very normal life at first but, when her father and Tío Toni start talking about the "butterflies", things get complicated for Anita and her family.
The secrecy of the "butterfly" meetings, and what they were, caused trouble throughout the compound. Not long after all the talk of the "butterflies", the Sim men or secret police came and raided the compound and all the homes of the family members. The dictator Trujillo, a cruel and brutal man, starts controversy with men for his intolerable actions toward women. Tío Toni, Anita's father and their friends created a plot to get rid of their dictator for what he has done. This secret association is being watched closely under the eye of the Sim, or the secret police. If discovered Anita and her whole family would have to be murdered, so the family went into hiding. The secret police discover the assassinated dictator in one of the family member's car, and Tío Toni, Anita's father, and brother are taken away. Anita and her mother have no other option but to abandon their once safe and comforting home in order to survive.
I enjoyed this novel very much, it shows the many problems and challenges that Anita and her family must go through to survive and keep the secrets of the family. Anita and her mother had given up all their rights of freedom which shows their bravery and courage of what they will do to live. This book is a reminder to me that you don't know how good you have it until you have to give it all up. It also shows what people will do for what they believe in and what they will do to protect their family from harm. If you need a change in pace Before We Were Free is a novel I recommend to everybody and anybody.
mariah13
Posted January 4, 2009
Before We Were Free is a story of a young girl, Anita De La Torre, that shows the struggle of her family and the courage she shows in herself. Anita De La Torre is twelve years old living under the dictatorship of Trujillo and living peacefully until one day finds everyone except her immediate family to be fleeing to America. Anita doesn¿t understand what is happening around her and doesn¿t know when she will see her family again. She over hears some information from outside her window were her father meets but it is all said with code words for protection from the secret police. During these struggles, Anita has become friends with the new American neighbor, Sam. Also she¿s quickly maturing and growing into a young woman. Anita¿s Tio Toni has disappeared and the secret police have stormed there house in search for him and anything suspicious. The secret police find the dictator assassinated in one of the family¿s cars, and Anita¿s father and brother are taken away. Anita slowly finds out that her family is involved in an underground movement to overthrow the dictator Trujillo. Anita and her mother have no choice but to flee. Anita is forced to leave everything she once knew and displays the strength she needs to handle the terrifying circumstances.
I enjoyed this book very much, it displays the conflicts that may occur between citizen and its country that aren¿t seen from first glance and how the people may stand up for the country they need. Also it shows the courage that young Anita has to keep moving forward and not focusing on what she has lost in the Dominican Republic.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SpiritualLove
Posted December 29, 2008
I Also Recommend:
this story felt so real to read. the characters came alive and the beautiful moments along with the bad made you feel for the story being told.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 13, 2008
Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez is a compelling novel that lets you experience the story of a 12 year old girl named Anita de la Torre living in the Dominican Republic. She and her family lived through a tough time of a dictatorship in the 1960¿s. Anita is puzzled as more and more of her family escape to the freedom of the United States and she and her immediate family are left behind wishing for the time when they get their chance to fly free. During the time that they must stay they get visited by the SIMS or the secret police, her father receives secret phone calls, her Tio Toni is missing and she must go through her own personal battles. Anita receives a diary for Christmas and she begins to write all her thoughts down and the events that are happening in hope if someone finds it they will know the truth. She continues to write of her sister leaving for the U.S, her first crush and her hopes of being free. ¿We are finally settled in and Mami has said, go ahead, write in your diary as much as you want, we¿re in trouble already, maybe you can leave a record that will help others who are in hiding, too.¿ Eventually it gets to dangerous for the rest of her family to remain at the compound and they go into hiding at a friend¿s house. There she continues to write of the conditions she must live in and the fear and panic they go through day after day. ¿They¿re coming through the house!! My hand was shaking so hard-but I want to leave this record just so the world knows¿. In my opinion this novel is interesting because the author Julia Alvarez lived in the Dominican Republic at the time of the dictatorship. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. This novel was inspired by true stories of the fight for freedom of other people she knew. It demonstrates devotion to family and love for your country and to sacrifice everything you have to make your country and the citizens free.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 19, 2007
Title: Before We Were Free Author: Julia Alvarez Published By: Alfred A. Knopf Published In: New York Before We Were Free was a strong and emotional novel that spoke about a young girl and her family's struggle for freedom in the Dominican Republic. Anita de la Torre, the main character, was a young 12 year old Dominican. She was the novel's narrator throughtout the entire book. Anita was a young inoscent girl whos family struggled for freedom in the dominican republic. While much of her family was disappearing, she was forced to stay. During this struggle she realizes that she is a brave, intelligent, and devoted young woman. Her role was to show how hard it was to gain freedom in the 1960's. Before We Were Free was an extremely touching novel that defined what it was like to want freedom from ones country. This novel spoke about Anita and her cousin, Carla, two young girls spending yet another day in school. When suddenly their class is inturrupted and they are called out. Anita's family slowly begins to leave the Dominican Republic and go to the U.S. but her immediate family remains. After some time many random house searches keep coming up. Her and her family are then forced into hiding in their family friends home, the Mancinis. During this time from June 3, 1961 until July 30 1961 Anita kept a very detailed diary that spoke about what she may have done that day or the previous one. Although hiding was not fun for Anita and her family it was better than being caught by the 'secret police'. While the days grew longer Anita continuously grew bored. I liked this novel because it spoke about gaining freedom and the struggle it took to get there. It showed even when u want to give up you shouldn't. The novel teaches people today what it was like to live in the Dominican Republic in the 1960's. For example, when gaining freedom Anita said 'I wonder what it would be like to be free? Not to need wings because you don't have to fly away from your country?' This really amazed me that there was a time when peoples dreams were to simply have freedom and rights to do as they please. Also, 'Don't worry,' Mundin says, 'I don't think a bullet can get throught that coffin!' 'Bullets! I sit right up in bed.' says Anita. This shows that the road to freedom is not an easy one! During this book I learned that I should always be grateful for what my country provides me. Freedom, Liberty, and Safety. I also learned what it was like for a young teen living in the Dominican Republic in the 1960's. I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys learning about gaining independence and freedom. Also if you enjoy learning more about Hispanic History. I recommend this novel because it really opens your eyes to what previously had happened with racial problems.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 18, 2007
Julia Alvarez's Before We Were Free is a captivating novel about a young girl named Anita de la Torre finding herself grasping for freedom. This book encompasses Julia Alvarez¿s thoughts on dictatorships as she herself grew up under one when she was younger. Anita de la Torre is a twelve-year-old girl who grew up in the Dominican Republic under Trujillo¿s rule in the late 1950s- mid 1960s. Her whole life she has lived with her family in their family compound, but recently her grandparents left for New York and she doesn¿t know why. Next thing you know her Tio Toni disappears and her cousins and their family leave suddenly for New York as well. Anita and her family (Papi, Mami, Lucinda, Mundin, and Chucha) become the only family left in their compound. After this things move extremely fast pace. From her finding that someone has been in her Tio Toni¿s casita to the secret police (SIM) raiding her house. All Anita feels she can do is to write in her journal so that if anything happens to her someone will know what happened. In the midst of all this chaos, Anita manages to find her first love, as well as starting to become a young woman. The themes of this book are definitely becoming of age and freedom. Throughout the entire novel, Anita is trying to seize the freedom she knows is right there, growing up extremely fast all the while. I really enjoyed this book. It grasped my attention very quickly and i got quite captured in the story. I felt like I was right there with Anita sharing her struggles. I would definitely recommend this book to people because i learned a lot while reading it. I learned some Spanish words and phrases such as 'Camaron que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente,' meaning the shrimp who falls asleep is carried off by the current. I also learned to no matter what keep fighting for what you believe in and stay strong until the end.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 7, 2007
I cried the whole way through!!! It was an amazing book!! I really loved it, so if you're looking for a tear-jerker, grab some tissues and this book!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 24, 2007
I really enjoyed it. I picked it up myself thinking it had a interesting title. It wasn't what i thought it would be, but it was still a good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo’s dictatorship.Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, ...