Our group enjoyed discussing the history surrounding this book. It was a time some in our group had no knowledge of and learned a great deal. Others had forgotten about this time and did not know the details and were amazed by the story. We discussed gender roles in the world along with the strength of family. We had fun discussing choices we make in life. We each identified with one of the sisters. As the title indicated with the word butterflies, we discussed how the sisters changed during the book. There are so many ways you can enjoy this book that I encourage your group to read and discuss it.

Alvarez brought me right into the world of her characters. Her style is an absolute pleasure. Her portraits of the characters were realistic, unvarnished and compassionate. Have already given my copy to a friend to read.
rita d'angelo

This is a beautiful account of love and the power of women. Raised far from the city and it's brutal and charismatic dictator, the Mirabal girls grow up in a home filled with love and joy. Coming of age, each sister's innocence and passion will steer a course using love, honor and justice as points of reference. Through a series of small choices that gather and grow like storm clouds, they will find themselves in the midst of the perfect storm that will alter the course of their nation's history at the sacrifice of their own. ****

So beautifully written, so haunting, so worth the read. Opens eyes to the oppression that occurs in our world and yet so inspiring.

Whenever I read something really great I have to pass it along to my Mom and insist that she read it immediately. I cannot say enough good about this book. It inspires, challenges, and calls into question your personal strength of character. The importance of family/sisterhood is woven beautifully through the stories of each woman's struggles and triumphs individually and as the Maribels. Such a good read!!

The books was a bit slow moving at time and goes in to a lot of details about each daughter and their relationships over many years. The pace picked up towards the end and I was astonished to learn about the regime in the country at the time and the strength of the people, especially the Maribel sisters, to bring about necessary change.