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The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom Audiobook
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(3.03) - 817 listener ratings
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How can there be a little war? Are some deaths smaller than others, leaving mothers who weep a little less? Cuba has fought three wars for independence, and still she is not free. Her people have been rounded up in reconcentration camps, where there is always too little food and too much illness. Rosa knows how to heal sickness with medicines made from wild plants. But with a price on her head for helping the rebels, Rosa dares not go out in the open. Instead, she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her. Black, white, Cuban, Spanish–Rosa does her best for everyone, even Lieutenant Death, who has sworn to kill her. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war? In this history in verse, acclaimed poet Margarita Engle has created a lyrical, powerful portrait of Cuba.
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"I had never heard of these 3 Cuban wars for independence until I read this book. Based on true events, this novel in verse tells the story of Rosa, a traditional healer, as she lives her life hiding in the jungle with the peasants and healing their wounds and illnesses. Beginning when she is a child, and ending when Cuba's government is turned over to the U.S. from Spain, the novel describes a life of constant fear of discovery, of moving from place to place to avoid being caught, of meeting and marrying Jose, together with whom she continues to heal both peasants and Spanish soldiers alike until the wars are finally over. A note at the end of the book gives her full name as Rosario Castellanos Castellanos. I wonder if she and the poet Rosario Castellanos are one and the same? I must investigate. Now I need to read more about the history of Cuba and the Spanish-American war. Highly recommended!"
— Krista (4 out of 5 stars)
The Surrender Tree Listener Reviews
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" I am so proud to be Latina. "
— Rosalinda, 2/19/2014 -
" I learned things about the war and rebellion in Cuba and the Spanish American War. Regretted getting the larger version with both Spanish and English. Liked the way it was written in prose style. Very concise, yet exact and painted a picture with words. "
— Pat, 1/25/2014 -
" I'm thankful this won a Newbery honor because I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise - the cover doesn't entice the reader in me and I'm not a recreational reader of free-verse. But...! The four main characters, especially the strong, amazing, yet humble Rosa, remain in my mind. I knew nothing about all those difficult years of war in Cuba in the last part of the 19th century, and I don't know much more now - and yet I feel I've lived through them now, hiding in the forests and caves with Rosa and Jose. "
— Eva, 1/14/2014 -
" It 's a book of poems written from different point of views to tell one story. If you're looking for a book that brings to light a historic event from a different point of view, this is for you. "
— Talisa, 1/11/2014 -
" Like watching a bird glide and then beat it's wings furiously, this tale unfolds in rhythmic and enchanting prose. Beautiful to look at, beautiful to read. The historical significance, humility, and strength engrained upon the pages of The Surrender Tree make it come alive to it's readers. "
— Sunshine, 1/5/2014 -
" A really good novel in verse / poetry. Really gives you a good understanding of the slave trade in late-1800's in Cuba. Very well written - each poem is written by a different character. "
— Cheryl, 11/20/2013 -
" Beautifully written! An accessible history of Cuba's attempts to be free. "
— Beth/Sr., 11/10/2013 -
" Written in verse, this is beautiful. The language and story are perfect. "
— Suzanne, 10/27/2013 -
" This book is showing me the true meaning of life! "
— Learsi710, 10/20/2013 -
" Poweful! Touching! Haunting! "
— Jacqueline, 5/24/2013 -
" details throughout the story helped me picture the setting! "
— Marivel, 2/10/2013 -
" I like the ending!! "
— John, 1/2/2012 -
" Through verse, Engle tells of a time not known - when the slaves of Cuba rise up and tried to win independance from Spain. It took three wars and the help of the U.S. (the U.S. ultimately betrayed the cuban people) A 2008 Newbery Honor Book "
— Kim, 12/28/2011 -
" Really quite brilliant. Sometimes poetry is the only way to get the story across the thoughts and feelings. Very similar to Out of the Dust and Sold. "
— Whitney, 8/26/2011 -
" Great poetic book about history. Tells the story of individuals living through the Cuban Revolution. "
— Breana, 7/6/2011 -
" My knowledge of Cuba pre Castro was nil, and I wasn't even aware of the lack. The Surrender Tree was a quick and fascinating read that opened my eyes to Cuba's embattled history. "
— Jane, 4/30/2011 -
" An excellent introduction to Cuban history and a moving depiction of war. Engle's poetry gives the story a mythological feeling that heightens its power over the reader. "
— Peyton, 4/23/2011 -
" An interesting way to teach/interest young adults in history. "
— Lfitz, 1/3/2011
About Margarita Engle
Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. Her books include the critically acclaimed The Poet Slave of Cuba, which was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a Bank Street College of Education Best Book, and a Bulletin Blue Ribbon book, among other honors.
About the Narrators
Erin Bennett is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and a stage actress who played Carlie Roberts in the BBC radio drama Torchwood: Submission. She can be heard on several video games. Regional theater appearances include the Intiman, Pasadena Playhouse, Arizona Theatre Company, A Noise Within, Laguna Playhouse, and the Getty Villa. She trained at Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Ozzie Rodriguez is a narrator, voice artist, and actor of film, television, and the stage, performing in many independent features, such as My Life: Untitled, Escape from South LA, and his co-produced, self-written project Elevator.
Ozzie Rodriguez is a narrator, voice artist, and actor of film, television, and the stage, performing in many independent features, such as My Life: Untitled, Escape from South LA, and his co-produced, self-written project Elevator.
Ozzie Rodriguez is a narrator, voice artist, and actor of film, television, and the stage, performing in many independent features, such as My Life: Untitled, Escape from South LA, and his co-produced, self-written project Elevator.