The Surrender Tree

Image courtesy of Henry Holt and Co.

Bibliography

Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2010.  ISBN 9780312608712

Plot Summary

Cuba experienced rebellions and wars for independence from 1810 -1899. In this novel in verse, Engle tells the touching true story of Rosa Castellanos Castellanos with some artistic additions. As Rosa grows up in slavery she learns to cure with herbs from the forest. She refers to her owner as Father. His son, her so called Brother and Lieutenant Death, whom she heals on more than one occasion becomes an ambitious slave hunter in Cuba. Rosa lives most of her life as a nurse in the wilderness, healing rebels and hiding from Spanish soldiers. Jose, her husband, is her protector and helpmate in orchestrating wilderness hospitals. Her biggest enemy is Lieutenant Death who tries at end to kill her throughout years of fighting.

Critical Analysis

The Surrender Tree is an amazing journey back in time to Cuban jungle warfare. Engle’s writing is so easily read, and the imagery is so vivid that I feel I was one of the rebels in the forest intensely hiding and fighting for survival alongside this amazing hero, Rosa. The story flows like a river with alternating character monologues. Each poem is short with a casual rhythm leading the reader into deeper and deeper immersion into the caves, thatched-roofed hospitals, and between palm trees dodging bullets.

Engle uses personification in a way that paints a canvas for miles. For example, dreaming of peace and an actual home she speaks of, “a view of green wilderness stretching, like time…” She also has a way of stirring emotion with her personifications. In her thoughts describing the history of Cuba she asks, “How many battles can one island lose?” When Rosa is dreaming it comes across like a song. You can feel the dedication and love Engle has for Cuba as she describes the land with simile such as, “The flames look like scars on the red, sticky clay…” There is a great pride in the Cuban land and people that is emitted from this novel in verse.

It is a powerful story that gives a sense of understanding to the underdog’s side of this conflict. Rarely discussed in American literature, the plight of the Cuban people is portrayed honestly through these embellished historical accounts. Young people and adults will find this an amazing, eye-opening experience. Every read through brings new layers of perspective in this brilliant piece.

Review Excerpts

2009 Newberry Medal

2009 Pura Belpre Award for Writing

2009 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award

From Kirkus Reviews: “The poems offer rich character portraits through concise, heightened language, and their order within the cycle provides suspense.”

From School Library Journal: “Acclaimed poet Margarita Engle has created another breathtaking portrait of Cuba.”

Connections

Read this as an introduction to a study of world cultures focusing on the means of land ownership.

Read this after reading an article about the historical Cuban conflicts. Guide discussions about perspective of pieces. Use as a topic for an essay.

Also, read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (ISBN  9780552773898) as a means of comparing writing styles or perspectives. Offer either as choices in literature circles. You may want students to research the historical events and prepare a presentation. Also, students may want to respond with artistic expressions or letters of opinion.

For a health class or health professions class, have them read this and research cures. Perhaps a comparison/contrast of natural versus modern medicine approaches would be beneficial.