Who Would Like This Book:
If you're drawn to coming-of-age stories shaped by real-world history, "Fruit of the Drunken Tree" is a gripping, heartfelt look at 1990s Colombia through the eyes of two very different girls. Ingrid Rojas Contreras weaves together the privileged, sheltered life of Chula and the precarious, burdened existence of Petrona with vivid, lyrical prose. The shifting perspectives reveal the country's class divides and the impact of violence in a deeply personal way. Readers who love immersive literary fiction, stories with complex female characters, or who want a window into Latin American history and resilience will appreciate this memorable debut.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pace too slow, especially in the early chapters, or felt disconnected from the very young narrators. If you prefer fast-moving, plot-driven books or have trouble with stories told from a child's limited understanding, this may not click with you. A few wanted more development of certain characters or found the dual perspective distracting. The story’s atmosphere can be grim and unsettling - so if you’re not in the right mood for heavy topics or ambiguous endings, you might struggle.
About:
"Fruit of the Drunken Tree" by Ingrid Rojas Contreras tells the story of two young girls, Chula and Petrona, living in Colombia during the turbulent times of Pablo Escobar's reign of terror. Chula comes from a privileged Colombian family living in a gated community, while Petrona is their maid hailing from a poor family. The novel explores the stark contrast between their lives, both affected by the violence and turmoil caused by guerrillas, drug lords, and corrupt political officials. Through alternating perspectives, the book delves into the challenges faced by these girls and their evolving relationship amidst the chaotic backdrop of Colombian society in the 80s.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, and themes related to war and trauma.
From The Publisher:
"One of the most dazzling and devastating novels I've read in a long time…Readers of Fruit of the Drunken Tree will surely be transformed."
-San Francisco Chronicle
"Simultaneously propulsive and poetic, reminiscent of Isabel Allende…Listen to this new author's voice - she has something powerful to say."
-Entertainment Weekly
Seven-year-old Chula lives a carefree life in her gated community in Bogotá, but the threat of kidnappings, car bombs, and assassinations hover just outside her walls, where the godlike drug lord Pablo Escobar reigns, capturing the attention of the nation.
When her mother hires Petrona, a live-in-maid from the city's guerrilla-occupied slum, Chula makes it her mission to understand Petrona's mysterious ways. Petrona is a young woman crumbling under the burden of providing for her family as the rip tide of first love pulls her in the opposite direction. As both girls' families scramble to maintain stability amidst the rapidly escalating conflict, Petrona and Chula find themselves entangled in a web of secrecy.
Inspired by the author's own life, Fruit of the Drunken Tree is a powerful testament to the impossible choices women are often forced to make in the face of violence and the unexpected connections that can blossom out of desperation.
Ratings (4)
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (13):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
I'm sure I'll be thinking about this one for a while. Some parts I didn't care for but the overall story was good.
What can you read after
Fruit of the Drunken Tree?
About the Author:
INGRID ROJAS CONTRERAS was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. Her essays and short stories have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Electric Literature, Guernica, and Huffington Post, among others. She has received fellowships and awards from The Missouri Review, Bread Loaf Writer's Conference, VONA,…
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