Written in verse, this story portrays the life of
Tula through the author, Margarita Engle’s own words. Set in Cuba, this story is
about a girl who loves words, but it cannot be known because girls are not
allowed an education, and a girl who loves to read is known as an "ugly girl." Tula
is forced into a life of oppression, in which her mother picks out her husband when
she turns fourteen and she is not allowed to attend school. The verses tell the story of
one woman who was not afraid to go against society’s views no matter how
dangerous it became. She lived for words and was not afraid of the
repercussions. After refusing her marriage proposal she is sent to live on her
grandfather’s plantation where she sympathizes with the slaves and becomes even
more rebellious. Through reading theses verses you enter the haunting and
dangerous life of Tula and those around her.
Though I am not a fan of poetry, I found myself
deeply immersed in the story of Tula. It was easy to sympathize with the character through
this fast paced story.
Reviewed by H.G.
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