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Young Adult· Dominican Republic

Before We Were Free

by Julia Alvarez
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2002English
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About This Book

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is a landmark work of young adult, first published in 2002. This young adult novel follows the story of Anita de la Torre, a twelve-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic during the final days of the Trujillo dictatorship. Through Anita's eyes, readers experience the fear and uncertainty of living under a repressive regime, as well as the hope for freedom and change. Alvarez's novel is praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young girl's coming of age in a tumultuous political landscape. Themes of dictatorship, freedom, coming of age run through the work. The book has received recognition from Pura Belpré Award 2004.

Book Details

AuthorJulia Alvarez
Published2002
Country of Origin🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
LanguageEnglish
Category🌟 Young Adult
ISBN9780440237846
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌟 Young Adult

Fiction and non-fiction written primarily for teenage readers.

Explore all Young Adult books →
Country of Origin

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

This book is part of Dominican Republic's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Dominican Republic →

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Julia Alvarez
Dominican Republic
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Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Before We Were Free about?

This young adult novel follows the story of Anita de la Torre, a twelve-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic during the final days of the Trujillo dictatorship. Through Anita's eyes, readers experience the fear and uncertainty of living under a repressive regime, as well as the hope for freedom and change. Alvarez's novel is praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young girl's coming of age in a tumultuous political landscape.

Who wrote Before We Were Free?

Before We Were Free was written by Julia Alvarez, from Dominican Republic. First published in 2002.

What awards has Before We Were Free won?

Before We Were Free has received the following recognition: Pura Belpré Award 2004.

Is Before We Were Free worth reading?

Before We Were Free is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in dictatorship, freedom, coming of age.

Where can I buy Before We Were Free?

You can buy Before We Were Free on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Before We Were Free?

Before We Were Free is classified as Young Adult. Fiction and non-fiction written primarily for teenage readers.

What country is Before We Were Free from?

Before We Were Free originates from Dominican Republic's literary tradition. Explore more books from Dominican Republic on our country page.

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