Red Palms

by Cara Haycak

When 14-year-old Benita’s Papa is wiped out by the Depression, he moves the family from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to the primitive island of Puna with a wild scheme to start a coconut plantation. Benita moves from a grand house to camping out in a shack on the beach; from going to school to working in the fields. But Papa’s no farmer, and he makes trouble with the islanders. The only good thing about Puna is Raul, the handsome young man who dazzles Benita. When he asks her to leave her family to live in the wilderness, Benita runs off with him. The jungle is beautiful, dangerous, and full of secrets, and they must struggle for their survival as they try to build a relationship with each other.

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Christian Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written adventure. A mosquito coast for younger folk, an adventure that is dreamlike and dangerous and filled with longing.

[Kali Giaritta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable!

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might have gotten five stars but for the last bit. It's certainly a very lush and evocative coming-of-age story, sounding much more YA-ish (conflicts with parents, missing friends, crush on boy) in the first half than the second. I particularly liked the way Benita's mother was drawn, and I thought her father's boorish behavior and conflicts with the natives were (sadly) about what you would expect would happen in real life. However, the last part -- "suddenly we all get along like BFFs even though we were at each other's throats last time we appeared in the book" didn't quite ring true for me. I'm not saying Benita should have to come home to the ravaged foundation of her family's house and the scorched fields of their plantation, but the sudden spirit of happy cooperation between Dad and the islanders just didn't jibe.

I can't make up my mind about the old woman. Real-life hermit, witch or shape-shifter? Or all three?

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a young adult book, and for the first half it was painfully evident. I was committed to finishing it for book club, and I'm so glad I did. The main character grows up, becomes jaded with her childlike notions, discovers her self and and her spirit. It is worth the read, but be patient (or skim the first half).

[Dixie Keyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately got lost in this book, in a good way. Benita is a well-developed character who I loved because of the strength she found in herself and the ways she opened up to a mystical experience. Her journey took me to a new place-Ecuador, and I thoroughly reveled in the descriptions of place and people. I would definitely read another book by the same author. Reminds me of Danticat.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my FAVOURITE BOOKS of all time! Brilliant, gripping plot with elements of romance, family, adventure and survival. Loved it! The ending is very realistic and I thought about this book for days afterwards.

[F B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing. It really was. what really appealed to me was the 1920s setting, the isalnd life and everything. it was a breath of fresh air from all the regular chick-flicks.