Before We Were Free

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alvarez, Julia. 2002. Before We Were Free. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375915443

PLOT SUMMARY

Told from the perspective of twelve year old Anita, Before We Were Free is the story of Anita’s experiences under the Trujillo regime.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In 1969, many things are happening in the Dominican Republic that young Anita de la Torre cannot explain.  Her family members are disappearing and Anita knows she is not being told the entire story.  Gradually, Anita discovers more information that leads her to believe that her family is involved in a secret plot to overthrow General Trujillo. 

Young readers, especially girls, will be able to relate to Anita.  Before We Were Free is told in first-person and Anita is a likeable character.  Readers will be able to understand Anita’s feelings of frustration when her family does not tell her the entire story.  In addition to Anita’s dramatic experiences under the Trujillo regime, Anita experiences things that any girl does, like having a crush on a boy, fighting with her sister, and starting her period. 

The importance of family and freedom are prominently featured throughout this story.  The de la Torre family is willing to do almost anything for each other.  The family must remain courageous through everything they face.

In addition to Dominican culture, readers will learn a bit about Haitian culture through the character of Anita’s maid, Chucha.  Chucha adds more intrigue to the story and is almost able to see the future. 

Spanish phrases are sparsely scattered throughout this story.  Physical descriptions include the mention of dark hair (p. 59).  When Anita and her sister, Lucinda, talk their American neighbor into having a quinceañera celebration, readers will learn about how important this celebration is in Hispanic culture. 

Before We Were Free focuses on life under the Trujillo regime.  This story is so interesting that it will prompt readers to learn more about Dominican history.  Alvarez explains the history just enough to leave readers wanting to know more. 

At the end of the story, Alvarez includes a brief author’s note that details her personal experiences under the Trujillo regime.  This addition makes this work of fiction more significant.

                                                                                                                                                      

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “This is a compelling account of a girl growing up too quickly while coming to terms with the cost of freedom.”

School Library Journal. “Readers will be convinced by the voice of this Spanish-speaking teenager who tells her story entirely in the present tense. Like Anita's brother Mundín, readers will bite their nails as the story moves to its inexorable conclusion.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Alvarez conveys the hopeful ending with as much passion as suffuses the tragedies that precede it. A stirring work of art.”

CONNECTIONS

Readers interested in Anita’s experience might enjoy the following stories that also have young protagonists who are growing up under dictatorships:

Lyll Becerra de Jenkins. The Honorable Prison. ISBN 0525672389

Beverley Naidoo. The Other Side of Truth. ISBN 0064410021