Before We Were Free

         I've always loved Julia Alvarez's book because it showed me how hard it is to keep hope in times of struggle. The main character, Anita, lived in the Dominican Republic, where a dictator ruled in the 1960's. Anita's father was involved in the murder of the dictator, and Anita and she mother had to go into hiding.
         Anita's brother was hidden in the embassy, her father and uncle were in prison, most likely dead. Anita's sister had to go to the United States after the elderly dictator tried to court her. Anita and her mother hid in a closet in a friend's bedroom. Anita was only 12, and I don't know how I would have handled that. One man ruined her life. The reality she once knew was only in her memory. Throughout the day, she found satisfaction in writing in her diary and reading books reccommended by the friend's son, who she liked.
         Anita didn't know if she'd live; the chances weren't likely. At any moment, the secret police could've raided the house and discovered her and her mom. Surprisingly, Anita made it from day to day. When a small problem arises in my life, I panic, acting as if the world will end because of my miniscule issue. Anita's family was falling apart, but she didn't allow her sanity to. In the book you can see that she struggled to stay sane, as I'm sure anyone would. She faced her problems with optimism, and in the end, she won.