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A review by cora_hreads
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
In the Time of the Butterflies was an unforgettable read. It made Marìa Teresa, Patria, Minerva, and Dedé real people, not just revolutionary figures to be idolized. I understood the fear that Mate had as she grew up, especially being away from Jacqui and the rest of her family. I personally really liked how she was always writing in a book entry style -- it felt very authentic to Mate. Additionally, Patria was one of my favorite characters, given her devotion to religion, her family, and her revolutionary efforts. She cared so much about everything; she just loved unconditionally, even in her final hours. Dedé's reflective and story-like perspective evoked a lot of sympathy from me. Whenever it was her chapter, I always felt like I was right there with her, sitting in the same room and listening to the memories of her sisters and family. Minerva was very unique. She was both a dedicated revolutionary, as well as just a person. In most posthumous works, significant figures are painted as an underdog with little-to-no struggles as they rose in power/to fame, but that isn't how they truly were. Minerva, like all other prison inmates, was affected by her time once she got out. Even for la mariposa, the head of the start of the Dominican revolution, wanted to settle down and move on for some time. Minerva is mighty and human, and I feel like that perspective should be taken and applied to other historical revolutionaries, especially if they are admired by people today.
1.25 points were taken off because in the latter half of Part 3, the writing became a bit stale and dry. I can see why, given that the sisters (except Dedé) were imprisoned and thus couldn't give Alvarez a lot of information to work off of, but for what Alvarez could use, it could have been better. The drama, controversey, and after-affect of the deaths of La Mariposas, IMO, could've been done up just a bit more to add in that punch for the end of the story. This would've allowed it to become soft, as Dedé has moved on from their deaths, but still let new readers understand the depth of the sisters' death and their actions in the revolution. However, I do like how the end of the book had a similar feeling to the beginning -- it was reflective and gentle, just under different circum stances.
Overall, In the Time of the Butterflies was an excellent read. It told the story of four amazing women in a way that humanized them and respected them, which I greatly appreciated. 3.75/5 stars.
1.25 points were taken off because in the latter half of Part 3, the writing became a bit stale and dry. I can see why, given that the sisters (except Dedé) were imprisoned and thus couldn't give Alvarez a lot of information to work off of, but for what Alvarez could use, it could have been better. The drama, controversey, and after-affect of the deaths of La Mariposas, IMO, could've been done up just a bit more to add in that punch for the end of the story. This would've allowed it to become soft, as Dedé has moved on from their deaths, but still let new readers understand the depth of the sisters' death and their actions in the revolution. However, I do like how the end of the book had a similar feeling to the beginning -- it was reflective and gentle, just under different circum stances.
Overall, In the Time of the Butterflies was an excellent read. It told the story of four amazing women in a way that humanized them and respected them, which I greatly appreciated. 3.75/5 stars.