discussion book group

Answer any four questions for your book.

Questions for In the Time of Butterflies

1. Although she does not reveal the details, Alvarez lets us know from the start that the novel will end tragically. Why do you think she made this choice?
2. How do the sisters differ in personality, goals and self-expression? How does Alvarez dramatize these differences?
3. How does the Trujillo regime portray itself? What means does it use to build a positive public image?
4. How does this police state control its citizens early in the novel?
5. What kinds of violence are directed against women both politically and socially? How do these forms of violence connect to the experiences of the men?
6. What events radicalize each sister? What personal commitments and feelings complicate the commitment to political activism for them?
7. What is your biggest takeaway from the novel so far? Why did you connect with it?