Why is fact over fiction important to the In the Time of the Butterflies and why did Avarez choose not to add more fiction to make the book more interesting?

   The overall truth of the novel gave the writing so much more value because when the reader puts him/herself in the shoes of the protagonist, they are experiencing a story that is actually real.  It is so much more valuable than adding more fiction to make it more interesting because it actually happened and it gives the reader such a deep connection with the characters because there is no doubt in fact.  If the author decided to make the story less based on how accurate it was, the reader would have less immersion into the novel because doubt still remains.  Expecially to the people of the Dominican Republic, the story would have contradictions to what they remember when Trujillo was is rein.  It is almost an insult to the people of the island because the book would by lying about what really happened there.   Avarez referenced it as a web.  Her web would trap her readers in her immediate accuracy in the novel so there is complete immersion into the novel.  It is also personally gratifying to the reader to know that this thrilling novel actually has truth behind it, and that it is not only an interesting story, it's history (to an extent) . In conclusion, the truth of the novel is vital to its success because of its immersion and relation to the people of the Dominican Republic.  Overall the extra mile taken for accuracy was completely, utterly worth it.