The Surrender Tree

Engle, M. (2008). The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom. Henry Holt and Company (BYR).

ISBN: 978-0805086744

Plot Summary:

It is 1896. Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free. People have been rounded up in reconcentration camps with too little food and too much illness. Rosa is a nurse, but she dares not go to the camps. So she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her.

Black, white, Cuban, Spanish―Rosa does her best for everyone. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war?

Using the true story of the folk hero Rosa la Bayamesa, acclaimed poet Margarita Engle gives us another gripping, breathtaking account of a tumultuous period in Cuban history.

-Amazon

Analysis:

I had no background knowledge of the tumultuous Cuban history of slavery and concentration camps before I read this work, but the story written in verse was captivating. Rosa, our main character, has reached folk-lore status as a healing witch. She is both feared and revered by many, but as you get to know her she is a determined nurse that never gives up. Exhaustion, desperation, disease and betrayal are always present, but her determination to help and heal carry her through. Rosa hides in the forest and in caves where she treats the wounded, no matter their background. She learns how to use native plants to heal the sick and wounded. Eventually Silvia comes into the story and Rosa is able to pass her healing knowledge on to her. The story is a history lesson where we learn about the people of Cuba. Slave owners, slave hunters, farmers, Spanish and American conquerors, and nomadic refugees all wander the forest, victims of constant wars. We learn that some Cuban slaves are dark-skinned and some are Chinese. The story follows our characters over the course of three consecutive wars for independence from Spain. Engle’s poetry is beautiful and sad as it portrays Cuba’s struggle for freedom. I recommend the audio version, hearing this poetry read aloud adds to it’s beauty.

Book Reviews:

“Engle writes her new book in clear, short lines of stirring free verse. Caught by the compelling narrative voices, many readers will want to find out more.” 

―Booklist, Starred Review

“Hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba's troubled past through the poetry of hidden moments.” 

―School Library Journal

“Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits of courageous ordinary people.” 

―Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

While this book has examples of courage and perseverance, it is also a glimpse into history that many may not be familiar with. 

Awards:

Newbery Honor Book, 2009

 Pura Belpré Medal for Narrative, 2009

Bank Street - Claudia Lewis Award, 2009

Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year, 2009

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5361.