Before We Were Free
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Average rating3.8
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 Tio 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, leaving all that she once knew behind.From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl's struggle to be free.From the Hardcover edition.
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Julia Alvarez walks a fine line between exploring history and cultural exchange in a compelling way ( [b:In the Time of the Butterflies 11206 In the Time of the Butterflies Julia Alvarez http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1211592550s/11206.jpg 1408023]) and just being didactic and preachy ([b:Return to Sender 4599006 Return to Sender Julia Alvarez http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320488073s/4599006.jpg 3271108]). Luckily this one was pretty good. Trujillo's dictatorship is a pretty good dramatic background. Also I listened to some of the audiobook, and Julia Alvarez reads it herself, and she sounds kind of like an excited robot. It's really weird and I'm not sure how to explain it. I used part of it in the video I made about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmWKWXfMsrY(This book might only be medium-interesting to someone who isn't already familiar with Dominican history, IDK. But maybe you'll ~learn something~)
Interesting book. I know nothing of the Dominican Republic or their history, but this book gives you an insight into someone's life as they go through it with parents who are very deeply involved. Brings to light the trauma kids suffer when parents are rebels.
