THE SURRENDER TREE BY Margarita Engle
Cuba has been fighting for independence through three wars, but it still has not come. Their people have been killed and tortured for years. This book in verse tells the story of Rosa who cares for those who need her in the jungles of her country, as well as Sylvia, Jose, and Lieutenant Death who also represent the various struggles of the native Cuban. Caves are turned into hospitals and she must be extremely careful as Lieutenant Death has sworn to kill her for her dedication to healing the rebels. Her knowledge of crude medicine through use of wild plants is key to her helping them. The characters of Sylvia and the oxcart driver are the only fictitious creations; the others are based on experiences of survivors of Weyler’s reconcentration camps and are historical figures in Cuba. Rosario Castellanos Castellanos and her husband Jose Francisco Varona were inspiration for this novel because of their dedication to caring for the sick rebels during the war.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment