I am very sad to have to miss this upcoming book club, but my parents are coming in to town that night so I feel like I better stay and visit with them. Since I picked this book and was supposed to be the "moderator" I thought I would leave some thoughts here so that I can in some way participate in the discussion.
I picked this book because I love stories of strong women and these sisters captivated me. Although her account was fictionalized, I felt it taught me an important history lesson. I never had heard about the Mirabal sisters or the dictator Trujillo, and was amazed when I did some research into the horrors and realities of his regime, which ended in 196 (really not that long ago). The book made me feel profoundly grateful to live in a free country and it helped me to understand what being free really means. I also feel like my sympathy has increased dramatically for all those many many people who have lived on this earth and even do currently live under such circumstances. Continually as I read, I put myself in the position of the women and wondered what I would have done, had I been born in their place and time. I thought I would post some of the pictures I found online as I was doing some background reading.
Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa
Patria, Dedé and Minerva Mirabal
Wedding Photo - Patria Mercedes Mirabal and Pedro González
MinervaMy heart broke as I finished the book- thinking of these real women as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. Such a tragedy.
I really enjoyed the style in which the book was written. I felt it made it much more personal and relatable (is that a word?). I felt the full spectrum of emotions as I ventured through the story and absolutely cried my eyes out in the end (but for me, it doesnt take much :). I wonder, of course, how close these fictitious depictions are to the true characters, and then I wonder, how would they feel about their own depictions. In some ways it almost seems unethical to make up stories about real people who have passed away (in certain parts I did feel that way- particularly with Patria). I'm not sure about that.
As an LDS sidenote, I thought I would mention a story I read yesterday on lds.org from a speech Elder Oaks gave at BYU Idaho. He shared a story about a female librarian in Mongolia who under a communist government courageously went on a hunger strike in her library, which led to a movement among the people that ultimately brought about the establishment of a democratic constitution. This adoption of a democratic constitution with its religious freedoms then led to the church being able to send missionaries in to that country (to get the story as Elder Oaks tell it, click here). Just a few months ago, the first stake there was organized and this librarian's son was called as the stake president. What a great illustration of how the Lord will prepare a way for his work to go forth to all nations. I was fascinated by this story and it reminded me of how intertwined the gospel is with freedom and in particular religious freedoms and just how important those are.
Well I hope you all enjoyed the book and have a great discussion!
-Melissa
