Before We — Were Free

Julia Alvarez's historical novel follows 12-year-old Anita de la Torre as she lives through the terrifying final days of Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. 📌 Quick Overview Setting: Dominican Republic, 1960–1961.

Anita goes from being silenced by fear to writing her truth in a diary. Before We Were Free

The De la Torre family stays united despite immense danger. 💡 Why It Matters Before We Were Free

It provides a accessible, humanized look at living under a brutal dictatorship. Before We Were Free

It serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly freedom can be lost and how hard it is to win back.

Anita de la Torre, a young girl finding her voice.

The transition from childhood innocence to political awakening.