Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

Introduction

Before We Were Free is a historical fiction novel by Julia Alvarez, first published in 2002. This gripping young adult novel follows the life of twelve-year-old Anita de la Torre, who comes of age in the midst of the Dominican Republic’s political turmoil in the early 1960s. Inspired by Alvarez’s own family history, the novel explores themes of political oppression, freedom, survival, and the loss of innocence.

Before We Were Free has been widely praised for its intimate portrayal of life under dictatorship and has won numerous awards, including the Pura Belpré Award, which honors outstanding literature that celebrates Latino culture.

Plot Summary

The story is set in the Dominican Republic during the last days of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship. Anita de la Torre comes from a privileged family, but her world is quickly upended as she begins to realize the extent of political repression in her country. Members of her family, including her uncle and father, are involved in a resistance movement against Trujillo, putting them all in danger.

As the regime cracks down on dissidents, Anita’s family members disappear one by one, forcing her to confront the brutal reality of living under an authoritarian regime. Eventually, she and her mother must go into hiding, where Anita struggles with fear, isolation, and the loss of her childhood innocence. Throughout the novel, she keeps a diary that becomes both a lifeline and a symbol of resilience.

When Trujillo is assassinated, Anita hopes for freedom, but the country remains unstable, and tragedy follows. By the end of the book, Anita escapes to the United States, where she must adjust to a new life while carrying the scars of her past.

Strengths of the Novel

1. A Unique Perspective on Political Oppression

Unlike many historical novels that focus on well-known figures or events, Before We Were Free provides a deeply personal perspective on the Dominican Revolution. Through Anita’s eyes, readers experience the fear, uncertainty, and hope that define life under dictatorship. The novel effectively portrays how political oppression affects everyday people, especially children, making history feel immediate and real.

2. A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story

Anita's transformation from an innocent, carefree girl to a young woman who has endured immense hardship is one of the novel’s most compelling aspects. Her gradual loss of innocence mirrors the process of growing up in a world where safety and security can vanish overnight. The contrast between childhood concerns—like school crushes and friendships—and the harsh realities of dictatorship makes Anita’s story even more poignant.

3. Blending of Personal and Political Themes

Alvarez expertly balances the novel’s political themes with deeply personal elements. Anita’s fears about her family’s safety, her relationship with her mother, and her longing for normalcy make her a relatable and well-rounded protagonist. Her diary entries add an intimate layer to the story, allowing readers to see her private thoughts and emotions.

4. Realistic Portrayal of Trauma and Silence

One of the novel’s most striking elements is Anita’s struggle with silence. As the regime’s violence escalates, she becomes unable to speak, symbolizing how oppression stifles voices and instills fear. Her journey toward reclaiming her voice—both literally and figuratively—is a powerful representation of resilience.

5. A Compelling and Accessible Writing Style

Alvarez’s prose is simple yet evocative, making the novel accessible to both young adult and adult readers. She captures Anita’s emotions with authenticity, making her fears, joys, and hopes feel incredibly real. The use of first-person narration and diary entries adds to the novel’s intimacy.

6. Themes of Hope and Survival

Despite its heavy subject matter, Before We Were Free is ultimately a story about hope. Anita’s survival and escape to the United States symbolize the resilience of those who fight for freedom. Alvarez’s message is clear: even in the darkest times, hope and courage can lead to liberation.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Uneven Pacing

While the novel starts with a gripping and tense atmosphere, some readers may find that the middle section slows down as Anita and her mother go into hiding. The claustrophobic nature of this part of the book is intentional, reflecting Anita’s isolation, but it may feel repetitive to some readers.

2. Limited Exploration of Secondary Characters

Although Anita is well-developed, some secondary characters, such as her sister Lucinda and her American friend Sam, could have been explored in more depth. Given their importance in Anita’s life, their perspectives and emotions could have added even more layers to the story.

3. The Ending Feels Rushed

The final part of the book, in which Anita escapes to the United States and starts a new life, is covered relatively briefly. Some readers might wish for more detail about how she copes with her trauma and adapts to her new surroundings.

Final Verdict

Before We Were Free is a gripping, emotional, and historically rich novel that offers a unique perspective on the Dominican Republic’s struggle for freedom. Julia Alvarez masterfully combines personal storytelling with political history, creating a narrative that is both informative and deeply moving. While the pacing and character development could have been slightly stronger, the novel’s themes of resilience, courage, and the fight for justice make it an essential read.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Young adult and middle-grade readers interested in historical fiction.
• Teachers and students studying Latin American history or themes of dictatorship and revolution.
• Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories set against the backdrop of real historical events.
• Fans of The Diary of Anne Frank or books about survival and resilience.

Who Might Struggle with This Book?

• Readers who prefer fast-paced action over introspective storytelling.
• Those looking for a fully resolved ending with more details on Anita’s life in the U.S.

Conclusion

Before We Were Free is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that sheds light on a little-known chapter of history. It is both a personal coming-of-age story and a powerful political narrative that encourages readers to think about freedom, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Julia Alvarez has crafted a novel that is as educational as it is emotionally compelling, making it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or Latin American history.