© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

American Masters

How Julia Alvarez brought truth to the Mirabal sisters in her novel "In the Time of the Butterflies"

Season 38 Episode 5 | 1m 29s

Writing "In the Time of the Butterflies," Julia Alvarez felt a responsibility to bring the story of the assassination of the Mirabel sisters to life through her characters, stating that "a novel is the truth according to character."

Support for American Masters is provided by AARP, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Foundation, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Jeffrey Katz and Beth Rogers, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Marc Haas Foundation, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Candace King Weir, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Laura Richards and Jim Naughton, Filomen M. Dagostino Foundation, André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, The Charina Endowment Fund, and public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 2:37
American Masters
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Preview: S40 E5 | 2:37
Watch • 29:07
American Masters
How Clive Davis became a titan of the music industry
Clive Davis on his journey in the music industry.
Special: 29:07
Watch • 28:04
American Masters
Michael Sarnoski: What Robin Hood and Folklore Tell Us About Ourselves Today
Filmmaker Michael Sarnoski breaks down his revisionist version of the Robin Hood story.
Special: 28:04
Watch • 13:45
American Masters
Mike Wallace reflects on the 60 Minutes tobacco story controversy
Mike Wallace discusses the groundbreaking “60 Minutes” story on tobacco.
Special: 13:45
Watch • 35:23
American Masters
Tyler James Williams on 30 Years of Acting and Protecting the Next Generation
Actor Tyler James Williams talks about his acting process and what drives his work.
Special: 35:23
Watch • 13:57
American Masters
Olivia Wilde on making “Tron: Legacy” with Jeff Bridges
Olivia Wilde on working with Jeff Bridges on “Tron: Legacy.”
Special: 13:57
Watch • 16:11
American Masters
Stankface Standing Soldier: The Rise of Mato Wayuhi
Watch as Oglala Lakota musician Mato Wayuhi draws on ancestral knowledge to inform his process.
Special: 16:11
Watch • 30:00
American Masters
Why Atsuko Okatsuka’s Comedy Connects Across Cultures
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka returns to the show to talk about her creative process.
Special: 30:00
Watch • 1:52:45
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [ASL]
This version contains ASL interpretation. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:52:45
Watch • 1:59:02
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [EAD]
This version contains EAD. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:59:02