Before we were Free

Historical Fiction by Julia Alvarez
Reviewed by Lindsey B.
Not in the NVHS collection as of this post

In the story, Before we were Free, by Julia Alvarez, almost all of Anita’s relatives have emigrated to the United States, her family being the only ones left in the Dominican Republic. Her Uncle, Tio Toni has disappeared and nobody has heard from him in several months. After the last of her relatives have left, the police start to terrorize her family. They stay in her driveway for days and tear through her house. Anita, a brave, young girl, learns an immense amount of things that leave her in shock. As she grows older and wiser, her family informs her about more and more discouraging things that have happened. Will Anita and her family ever be freed from this dreadful country, while keeping their friends and compound safe and secure?

After Anita’s sister, Lucinda, leaves the country before encountering problems with El Jefe, the dictator, her father is determined to make a difference in the country. Tio Toni has been hiding out in his “casita” and is having secret meetings with “Papi”, Anita’s father and a few other townspeople. They are attempting to overthrow El Jefe. An event occurs that puts Anita and her mother in hiding. Her father and uncle have been put into jail and have not been seen since. Will Anita and her mother ever get to see her father and uncle again?

I would recommend this novel to any male or female ages 12 and up. This book illustrates how people in 3rd world countries live with dictators controlling them. It’s extremely suspenseful and shows how many hardships people have to face. Also, it portrays the idea of how family and friends can you get you through any rough time. They are always there for you and comfort you along the way.