68 pages • 2 hours read
Julia AlvarezA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
When Before We Were Free begins, the life of Anita de la Torre, an 11-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic, is about to change forever. The novel investigates themes of family, government corruption, superstition, and the power of the written word, all set against the backdrop of the months before and after the assassination of a brutal dictator, Rafael Trujillo.
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez receives accolades for its vivid depiction of political turmoil in the Dominican Republic, compelling coming-of-age narrative, and strong, relatable protagonist. Some critics point to a predictable plot and simplistic writing. Overall, it is praised for its emotional impact and historical significance.
A reader who would enjoy Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is likely someone interested in historical fiction and coming-of-age stories. They may also appreciate themes of political oppression and personal freedom, akin to books like The Diary of Anne Frank and Number the Stars.
Lexile Level
890LRelationships: Family
American Literature
Children's Literature
Education
Education
History: World
Arts / Culture