The History Book Festival will host a special event with author Julia Alvarez and illustrator Krystal Quiles featuring their newly published graphic novel version of Alvarez’s classic story, “In the Time of the Butterflies," at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, online via Zoom. The virtual event is free, but registration is required at historybookfestival.org.

Set during the waning days of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, “In the Time of the Butterflies” was inspired by the true story of the three Mirabal sisters, known as Las Mariposas (the Butterflies), who were murdered Nov. 25, 1960, for their part in an underground plot to overthrow the government.

First published in 1994, the historical novel received wide acclaim and was adapted into a 2001 feature film starring Salma Hayek.

“HBF is thrilled and honored to be selected to host this special virtual event with Alvarez and Quiles,” said Jen Mason, festival co-founder and chair. “The book is beautiful and gives new dimension to this compelling story, which holds meaning and important lessons for people from all walks of life.”

An extraordinary storyteller across multiple genres, Alvarez left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of 10. 

Quiles, an artist and illustrator who splits her creative time between Philadelphia and New York City, is a graduate of Pratt Institute. 

Their new, magnificently illustrated graphic novel reintroduces readers to the Mirabal sisters and renders these historical figures as never before seen.