The novel builds towards the sisters' fateful journey on November 25, 1960. Minerva, Patria, and María Teresa are ambushed and murdered while returning from visiting their imprisoned husbands. Dedé is left to tell their story and care for the children left behind. The book ends with reflections on the sisters' legacy as symbols of courage and resistance in the face of tyranny.

Themes

• Courage and resistance against tyranny

• Family bonds and sisterhood

• Coming of age and personal growth

• Sacrifice for political ideals

• Impact of dictatorship on daily life

• Women's empowerment and feminism

• Memory and historical narrative

Setting

Set in the Dominican Republic during the mid-20th century, In the Time of the Butterflies unfolds against the backdrop of Rafael Trujillo's oppressive dictatorship. The novel spans several decades, from the 1930s to the 1960s, capturing the tense political climate and social upheaval of the era. Alvarez vividly portrays the fear and uncertainty that permeated Dominican society under Trujillo's iron-fisted rule.

The story primarily takes place in the northern region of the Dominican Republic, focusing on the lives of the Mirabal sisters in their family home near the city of Salcedo. The narrative also shifts to other significant locations, including the capital city of Santo Domingo, where the sisters attend school and become involved in revolutionary activities. The contrast between the rural, pastoral setting of their childhood and the urban landscape of their political awakening adds depth to the novel's exploration of social change.

Alvarez skillfully weaves historical events into the fabric of her fictional narrative, creating a rich tapestry that brings to life the Dominican Republic of that time. From the family's plantation to the prisons where the sisters' husbands are held, each setting serves to illuminate the characters' experiences and the broader societal struggles they face. The author's attention to detail in describing these locations helps to immerse readers in the world of the Mirabal sisters, known as “Las Mariposas” or “The Butterflies,” as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of their homeland.

Characters

• Minerva Mirabal: The third Mirabal sister and a central protagonist. Minerva is intelligent, passionate, and politically active. She becomes a lawyer and a key figure in the resistance against Trujillo's regime. Her strong convictions and bravery inspire her sisters to join the revolutionary cause.

• Dedé Mirabal: The second oldest Mirabal sister and the sole survivor. Dedé is more cautious and hesitant to join the revolution. She struggles with her role in the family's activism and her desire for a normal life. After her sisters' deaths, Dedé becomes the keeper of their memory and story.

• María Teresa Mirabal: The youngest Mirabal sister. Initially materialistic and naive, María Teresa matures throughout the novel. She joins the revolution inspired by her sisters and records her experiences in diary entries. Her perspective provides insight into the personal toll of political activism.

• Patria Mirabal: The eldest Mirabal sister. Deeply religious, Patria initially avoids political involvement. However, after witnessing atrocities committed by Trujillo's regime, she joins her sisters in the revolution. Her faith and motherhood inform her activism and provide a unique perspective on the struggle.

• Rafael Trujillo: The dictator of the Dominican Republic and the novel's main antagonist. Trujillo is portrayed as cruel, corrupt, and power-hungry. His oppressive regime and personal vendettas against the Mirabal family drive much of the novel's conflict.

• Mamá: Mother of the Mirabal sisters. She is caring and protective of her daughters, often worried about their safety due to their political activities.

• Papá: Father of the Mirabal sisters. He runs the family store and supports his daughters, though he sometimes struggles with their political involvement.

• Pedrito González: Patria's husband. He joins the revolution alongside his wife and is later imprisoned for his involvement.

• Manolo: Minerva's husband and a key figure in the resistance movement. He becomes a leader in the June 14th Movement.

• Virgilio “Lio” Morales: A revolutionary and Minerva's former love interest. He is forced into exile for his outspoken opposition to Trujillo's regime.

Quick facts

• The novel is based on the true story of the Mirabal sisters, who opposed the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic

• It was published in 1994 and nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award that year

• The book was adapted into a feature film in 2001 starring Salma Hayek

• Alvarez was inspired to write the novel after her own family fled the Trujillo regime in 1960

• The title refers to the underground code name for the Mirabal sisters - “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies)

• It is written from the perspectives of all four Mirabal sisters, using both first and third person narration

• The novel has been banned in some U.S. schools for containing a diagram on how to make a bomb

• It has been selected for the National Endowment for the Arts' “Big Read” program

• Alvarez conducted extensive research and interviews to recreate the historical time period

• The book is frequently taught in high schools and colleges as an example of historical fiction.

About the Author

Julia Alvarez is a renowned American author who left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of ten. Her experiences as an immigrant have deeply influenced her writing, which often explores themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience. Alvarez has authored six novels, three books of nonfiction, three poetry collections, and eleven books for children and young adults, establishing herself as a prolific and versatile writer.

Alvarez's work has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades. Her novel In the Time of the Butterflies has sold over one million copies and was selected for the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read program. In 2013, President Obama awarded Alvarez the National Medal of Arts for her exceptional storytelling. She has also received the Latina Leader Award in Literature, the Hispanic Heritage Award in Literature, and was named Woman of the Year by Latina magazine.

Throughout her career, Alvarez has been committed to education and mentorship. She taught and mentored writers in schools and communities across America and served as a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College until her retirement in 2016. Her dedication to fostering literary talent and promoting cultural understanding has made her a respected figure in both academic and literary circles.

Beyond her writing and teaching, Alvarez is actively involved in social and environmental causes. She and her husband created Alta Gracia, a farm-literacy center in the Dominican Republic that promotes environmental sustainability and education. Alvarez is also part of Border of Lights, an activist group working to improve relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Her multifaceted career demonstrates her commitment to using literature as a tool for social change and cross-cultural dialogue.