Before We Were Free

Very interesting story about living under a dictator's regime. Alvarez recalls her childhood in the Dominican Republic during the reign of Trujillo. She and her family escaped to the U.S. but she decides to explore the lives of those who stayed behind. This fictional account is told from 12-year-old Anita's perspective; the reader learns about life in an oppressive society as Anita becomes more aware of the events surrounding her family. Her parents (and others) are intent to bring down El Jefe in order to bring freedom to the country. Alvarez does an incredible job conveying Anita's fear, sadness, and grief, as well as the small joys she experiences. Ultimately she has to grow up too fast, and though it is a sad story, it is one of hope. Great voice and characters, just a little slow and repetitive at times. ( )

A young adult perspective on the Dominican oppression by Trujillo. The novel starts slowly, but it builds to a gripping conflict. I appreciated it and the young-adult focus, but for my teaching purposes, I believe I will stick to How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. ( )

Well told story of the early 60's in the Dominican Republic from the children's perspective. ( )

Well told story of the early 60's in the Dominican Republic from the children's perspective. ( )