121 pages • 4 hours read
Julia AlvarezIn the Time of the Butterflies
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A 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.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez tells the story of the Mirabal sisters—Dedé, Minerva, Patria, and María Teresa—who live under the oppressive regime of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. Narrated through multiple perspectives, the novel explores their personal and collective struggles against the dictatorship from 1943 to 1960, highlighting bravery, resistance, and sacrifice. This novel deals with themes of violence and political oppression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Readers praise In the Time of the Butterflies for its compelling portrayal of courage and resistance, vivid character development, and rich historical context. Some find it slow-paced at times, but overall, it's lauded for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling, making it a significant contribution to historical fiction and Latin American literature.
Who Should Read In the Time of the Butterflies?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female protagonists and themes of political resistance would appreciate In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find this story of the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic gripping and inspiring.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Latin American Literature
Animals