In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Historical fiction once again becomes the focus of my stolen moments for reading. In the Time of the Butterflies is set in the Dominican Republic during the early-mid twentieth century, centering on the Mirabal family and the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. While the four Mirabal sisters and Trujillo are actual historical figures, the story of what transpired is born out of the author's imagination. The story follows the narrative of, by turns, Minerva, Maria Teresa, Patria, and Dede and their awakening to the murderous regime of their country's leader. Three of the four sisters devote themselves to an underground movement dedicated to overthrowing Trujillo, a decision that endangers their lives and those close to them. Yet it also brings to their lives an urgent sense of purpose born out of their unwillingness to turn a blind eye to injustice.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a story of love, devotion, betrayal, and survival. A story of standing for what is right despite the cost because the alternative is complacency, ignorance; unacceptable. It is a story of remembrance that we may never lose sight of what others have sacrificed in order to live in freedom. A freedom we regularly take for granted. For this reason alone (to remember, to be inspired to put down others' endangerment and suffering) is worth the reading of this book.