In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

In Time of the Butterflies is set in the Dominican Republic during the reign of dictator Trujillo, who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930-1961 with fear and brutality. This story revolves around the adolescence and adulthood of the four Mirabal sisters who become symbols of a national underground movement to overthrow Trujillo. In the Time of the Butterflies is loosely based on the true story to three sisters who were ambushed and killed after going to visit their husbands in prison. These sisters, known as “las mariposas” or “the butterflies” then became national symbols of the revolution against Trujillo. This book describes the tension of trying to live a life with the threat of violence and destruction always hanging over one's head. It also speaks to circumstances that drive people to stand for change, even in the face of extreme adversity.