In the Time of the Butterflies

In the Time of the Butterflies cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Technical
  • ID: 76
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2025-08-30
  • Reviews: 4

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, internationally bestselling author and literary icon Julia Alvarez's In the Time of the Butterflies is "beautiful, heartbreaking and alive ... a lyrical work of historical fiction based on the story of the Mirabal sisters, revolutionary heroes who had opposed and fought against Trujillo." (Concepción de León, New York Times) Don't miss Alvarez’s new novel, The Cemetery of Untold Stories, available now! It is November 25, 1960, and three beautiful sisters have been found near their wrecked Jeep at the bottom of a 150-foot cliff on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The official state newspaper reports their deaths as accidental. It does not mention that a fourth sister lives. Nor does it explain that the sisters were among the leading opponents of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo’s dictatorship. It doesn’t have to. Everybody knows of Las Mariposas—the Butterflies. In this extraordinary novel, the voices of all four sisters--Minerva, Patria, María Teresa, and the survivor, Dedé--speak across the decades to tell their own stories, from secret crushes to gunrunning, and to describe the everyday horrors of life under Trujillo’s rule. Through the art and magic of Julia Alvarez’s imagination, the martyred Butterflies live again in this novel of courage and love, and the human costs of political oppression. "Alvarez helped blaze the trail for Latina authors to break into the literary mainstream, with novels like In the Time of the Butterflies and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents winning praise from critics and gracing best-seller lists across the Americas."—Francisco Cantú, The New York Times Book Review "This Julia Alvarez classic is a must-read for anyone of Latinx descent." —Popsugar.com "A gorgeous and sensitive novel . . . A compelling story of courage, patriotism and familial devotion." —People "Shimmering . . . Valuable and necessary." —Los Angeles Times "A magnificent treasure for all cultures and all time.” —St. Petersburg Times "Alvarez does a remarkable job illustrating the ruinous effect the 30-year dictatorship had on the Dominican Republic and the very real human cost it entailed."—Cosmopolitan.com

Reviews
LitCharts · 2025-08-30
poignant 4.25

The sisters are depicted as both national symbols of resistance and relatable women, balancing personal struggles with their revolutionary roles, culminating in their martyrdom and Dedé’s role as their storyteller.

This interpretation highlights the duality of the Mirabal sisters as iconic figures and as individuals grappling with fear, family, and faith. The transformation of the sisters into the 'Butterflies' symbolizes their growth and sacrifice against oppression. The review also underlines Dedé’s complicated position—her initial reluctance contrasts with her eventual dedication to preserving her sisters’ legacy, adding depth to the narrative. The story’s power lies in its portrayal of courage within the context of familial bonds and political turmoil.


Quick quotes

    The sisters are now known as the 'Butterflies.'

    Everyone knows that Trujillo killed them, however, and they become martyrs.

    Dedé explains what happened – the sisters and Rufino are each killed and then put back into their car, so it looks like an accident.

Plugged In · 2025-08-30
moving 4.50

The story powerfully portrays the Mirabal sisters' courage and the personal sacrifices they endure during the revolution, highlighting the emotional and political struggles behind their resistance.

The narrative delves into the complex emotions and difficult choices faced by the Mirabal sisters as they join the fight against a brutal dictatorship. It captures the tension between family loyalty and political activism, especially through Dedé’s internal conflict, making the sisters’ bravery and tragic fate deeply moving and impactful. The portrayal of their imprisonment, torture, and eventual murder underlines the harsh realities of political resistance and the high cost of standing up for justice. This perspective emphasizes the human side of historical events, making the sisters' story resonate beyond simple heroism.


Quick quotes

    The Mirabals are plunged into an increasingly impoverished state and are spied upon around the clock.

    Patria works tirelessly to free her family.

    On their return journey, they and their driver are brutally murdered by Trujillo’s henchmen.

Belmont Public Library · 2024-08-21
compelling 4.00

The novel is described as a compelling story about courage and sacrifice. The historical context is well-researched and engaging.

The reviewer found the novel to be a compelling story that effectively portrays the courage and sacrifice of the Mirabal sisters. They appreciated the historical context and how it was woven into the narrative, making the story both educational and engaging. The reviewer also noted that the novel's portrayal of the sisters' bravery and the political climate of the time is both poignant and thought-provoking.


Quick quotes

    In conclusion, the historical fictional novel, In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is a compelling story about the courage of others ...

    The novel begins with the recollections of ...

    Alvarez's controlled writing perfectly captures the mounting tension as 'the butterflies' near their horrific end.

Reddit - Book Club · 2024-05-15
insightful 4.00

The book is seen as a great fit for understanding a pivotal moment in Dominican history. It provides valuable insight into the courage and sacrifices made during that time.

This Reddit user found the book to be an excellent choice for gaining insight into a crucial period in the Dominican Republic's history. They appreciated how the story shed light on the bravery and sacrifices of those involved, making it a meaningful read. The reviewer values the historical context provided by the novel, which enhances the understanding of the events and the people who lived through them.


Quick quotes

    I think this book was a great fit because it gave an insight into a key moment in time for the Dominican Republic.

    I wasn't aware of any of the historical context before reading this book.

    It's a compelling story about the courage of others.