Engle, Margarita. The Firefly Letters. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 2010.
ISBN: 978005090826
Author:
Margarita Engle is a Cuban American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She is the author of young adult nonfiction books and novels in verse including The Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor Book, The Poet Slave of Cuba, Hurricane Dancers, The Firefly Letters, and Tropical Secrets. She lives in northern California.
Plot Summary:
The freedom to roam is something that women and girls in Cuba do not have. Fredrika Bremer visits from Sweden in 1851 to learn about the people of this magical island. She discovers things in Cuba are not as beautiful as it seems to the outside world. Based on actual events, the story follows three women, two of whom were real, one imagined as they explore the freedom of the Cuban nights. Fredricka comes to live with a wealthy family and is confronted by the ugliness of the slave trade and the restrictions that are put on women. The story switches point of views from Fredricka, Cecila (who is the pregnant slave) and Elena (the daughter of the landowner) and even occasionally Beni(Cecila's husband). Fredricka is not just upset by the slavery (Cecila) and the cover up by the government but also because women in Cuba have no freedom(Elena). Engle states this simply in this example: Isn't life sorrowful enough / in places without slavery, / where so many men / treat the women /of their own families / like possessions of wood or stone, / useful objects /without souls?"
Critical Analysis:
This is a great, fast read for a historical fiction novel. It is written in free verse with each character having short poetic chapters which reveal each person's story. As each person speaks, it also reveals more about the other people. The words,even though in verse, flow very easy for any type of reader. Engle uses each character to show a different point of view with the issues of slavery, discrimination, loneliness, love, and hopelessness . The reader quickly feels the pain and longing of these women even though it might be revealed in more depth if it were written in prose. The "fireflies trapped in the jar" are symbolic of the women and the slaves trapped in their life while waiting for someone to set them "free". This symbol is repeated many times throughout the story to remind the reader of being trapped and held captive. This novel does not have any illustrations except the cover art which shows a woman with fireflies in her hair against the darkness of the night sky. Engle writes beautifully while making connections with each character and revealing the issues each are subjected to through their current situation.
Connections:
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle
90 MILES TO HAVANA by Flores-Galbis, Enrique.
This is a great, fast read for a historical fiction novel. It is written in free verse with each character having short poetic chapters which reveal each person's story. As each person speaks, it also reveals more about the other people. The words,even though in verse, flow very easy for any type of reader. Engle uses each character to show a different point of view with the issues of slavery, discrimination, loneliness, love, and hopelessness . The reader quickly feels the pain and longing of these women even though it might be revealed in more depth if it were written in prose. The "fireflies trapped in the jar" are symbolic of the women and the slaves trapped in their life while waiting for someone to set them "free". This symbol is repeated many times throughout the story to remind the reader of being trapped and held captive. This novel does not have any illustrations except the cover art which shows a woman with fireflies in her hair against the darkness of the night sky. Engle writes beautifully while making connections with each character and revealing the issues each are subjected to through their current situation.
Connections:
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle
90 MILES TO HAVANA by Flores-Galbis, Enrique.
Discussion- Lesson might discuss slavery and suffrage. Science lesson might research fireflies and how they live.
Awards and Reviews:
ALSC Notable Children's BookBank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
IRA Notable Books for a Global Society
Jane Addams AwardPura Belpré Author Honor
Texas TAYSHAS High School Reading List
“Starred Review. Like the firefly light, Engle’s poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage. Another fine volume by a master of the novel in verse.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Through this moving combination of historical viewpoints, Engle creates dramatic tension among the characters, especially in the story of Elena, who makes a surprising sacrifice.” - Booklist
"The easily digestible, poetic narrative makes this a perfect choice for reluctant readers, students of the women's movement, those interested in Cuba, and teens with biography assignments. Grades 8+." - School Library Journal
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