In the Time of the Butterflies
Julia Alvarez
About this book
"In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez tells the story of the Mirabal sisters, who resist the oppressive regime of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic during the 1950s. Through the lens of their struggles and sacrifices, the novel explores themes of bravery, sisterhood, and the fight against tyranny, illustrating the profound impact of political oppression on personal lives. Its significance lies in shedding light on historical injustices and celebrating the courage of those who stand against them, making it a poignant reflection on freedom and resistance.
Why it was banned
Banned by the Port Washington School District in New York because the book included a diagram described as showing how to construct a bomb.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: In the Time of the Butterflies was banned by the Port Washington School District in New York over a diagram that officials viewed as depicting how to construct a bomb. The dispute is especially revealing because the novel itself is about resistance to dictatorship and state violence. Two students from Paul D. Schreiber High School publicly opposed the ban in a New York Times opinion piece, arguing that education should expose students to difficult realities rather than hide them.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | Political |