Under the Banyan Tree

by Toni De Palma

After her mother leaves, fifteen-year-old Irena runs away from home and hitchhikes to Key West where she tries to make a better life for herself, in a story the uncovers just what it really means to be a family.

Genres: Fiction, Teen

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2007

About the author

Who am I? Well, let's start with who I am NOT. I am Not tall. I am Not a genius. And though a lot of people have assumed I was, I was never, ever a cheerleader in high school. Actually, I was a klutz, a nerd and kind of quiet when I was in high school. I am still a klutz, a much better listener than I am a talker (though my husband would probably disagree with that) and still a nerd (and very proud of that thank you!)

I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and when I was a kid I loved to wander the streets with my best friend John. We'd disappear for the whole day, returning conveniently when it was time for dinner. During the summer, I'd dance in the spray of the johnny pump (the fire hydrant). Some summers I'd spend in Ischia, the Italian island where my dad was from.

I have always loved to travel and wander. My most valued possession is my passport. I love to write stories that take me and my readers places and of course I love traveling places to do the research for my books (can you say write offs!). I write Middle Grade and YA both contemporary and paranormal romance but I like to read everything and discover new and unusual books.

Any good recommendations?

You can find me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterToniDeP...

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/ToniDePalma1

My Blog:
http://www.tonidepalma.blogspot.com/

My Group Blog with Writers By the Shore:
http://writersbytheshore.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[M.B. Mulhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Banyan Tree is a touching story that pulled me right in and kept me from putting the book down until I reached the end.

De Palma has a great way of making the characters realistic and life-like so you come to care about them and are concerned about their situations throughout the story.

The Banyan tree itself is used, not only as the name of the hotel but, to represent the strength one needs to escape an unhappy situation and to symbolize putting down roots, feeling safe and comforted in the place one considers home.

Another great perk to the story is that you get to learn a bit about Key West and some of the history that has gone on there. De Palma describes the maze of streets and the colorfulness of the community along with some of the Cuban culture that is prominent in the area.

All in all, a well-written, touching story about strength, family, acceptance and finding one's way to place where they feel cherished and can call home.

[Alli Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated my heart! It was extremely well-written and the characters are heart-warming but also so very real. It is a very grounded, earthy book full of exciting turns in Irena’s life. The reader can really feel Irena’s emotions, which were described in clever, witty, and heartfelt analogies. The writer does a great job at captivating Irena’s sense of humor, which seems to jump out of the page. The novel itself is enriched with amazing metaphors and synonyms weaved throughout an enchanting story of resilience, determination, and overcoming immense obstacles.
Irena herself is very endearing, and you can feel empathy for her from the very start of the novel. You automatically want her to win and for her to get to a safe place. The way the author laced the past into the present was done so smoothly, and the transitions were seamless. I loved the Spanish culture intertwined within, and the writer does a great job at getting you soaked up in that world.
I found myself relating to Irena in some ways as well. The way she missed her mama was heart-wrenching, and also the way she still honored and respected her was admirable. It shows just how much she loves her, despite the hell she put her through. The fact that “Papa” ended up being a famous author was a brilliant touch, and shows how sometimes family doesn’t always have to be blood. Sometimes, family are the people we grow to love.
I found myself feeling warm and cozy myself with all of the characters! I especially liked Carlotta, whose energy resembled a soft grandmother’s. I recently lost my grandmother, and reading this was like getting to experience a little bit of my grandmother’s warmth. It spoke to me on an emotional level and the author’s writing is gorgeous, with pages full of colorful descriptions and rich themes. Irena is an inspiring young girl and I like how the writer does not treat the teen readers as mere children that cannot understand difficult things. The writer is honest with teen readers and therefore relatable.
I highly recommend this heart-warming, delightful book!
-Ali

[A.B. Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this story was a very sweet and heartwarming way of addressing the topic of teenage runaways. It's an effortless read full of well crafted metaphors and nuanced phrasing, such as, "...a young man with greasy hair sat on the ground strumming the same chord on his guitar. The music sounded soft and mellow, and the musician sang the same word, whippoorwill, whippoorwill, over and over again. Like everything else in my life, the song made no sense." I really enjoyed this book!

[Casle · Rating 2 out of 5]

#2
Um, not great. Irena runs away. Homeless in Key West she finds work at the Banyan Tree Motel. Some of the writing is awkward and the story’s only real appeal to me, the connection with Hemingway, isn’t relevant to the audience.

[Ian Billick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I meant to get a different book by the same name. It is a young adult novel. Moves quickly. Not much else going for it.

[Walt Giersbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

“When You’re as Far South as Possible, You Can Keep Going” might be an alternate title for this satisfying novel.

Toni De Palma’s “Under the Banyan Tree” transcends young adult lit through her character development, even-handed plotting, and rising level of tension. “Banyan” opens as a mix of southern Gothic and “road novel,” but quickly becomes the simple story of a teenager escaping an abusive father, a mother who’s run away, and an enigmatic man who runs the alligator farm where they live. Irena hits the road, too, finding herself in Key West as a homeless waif.

The eponymous banyan tree at the motel of the same name becomes her refuge. This is the focus — and perhaps metaphor — for Irena to plant her roots. Motel owner Carlotta and her brother Antonio take Irena in as family. The plot grows as it becomes clear the once-successful motel will fail for lack of guests. The McGuffin in the novel is the place set at dinner each day for the guest who never comes and the room no one is allowed to enter. The dynamic tension begins to build.

Thematically, Carlotta spells out Irena’s situation, saying, “I guess everyone needs to run away from home from time to time.” The “runaways” are everywhere and represented by everyone — especially in the surprising reveal at the end that brings the book to an eminently satisfying close.

This is a sweet story, grounded in the banyan tree, which is “super strong” and “holds up in all kinds of storms. Even hurricanes.” And so it is with Irena.

Look for the smooth, effortless writing from De Palma, with the back stories woven seamlessly into the story line without interrupting the story line.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irena doesn't know where she's going when she runs away from her gator wrestling father who drove her mother away. Irena hitches a ride on a truck, and the end of the line is Key West. after a few weeks of eating out of garbage cans and sleeping in public restrooms, Irena lands a job at the Banyan Tree Inn. While she loves her new family, the Banyan Tree Inn is almost bankrupt. Irena must find a way to save her new home . . .

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irena runs away from home and ends up working in a small motel in Key West. However, she can't escape her past.

Another book that was OK, but kind of forgetable. It doesn't glamorize running away (Irena sleeps in a public bathroom and digs in a dumpster for food), but the happy ending was a bit unbelievable.

[KWinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one held zero surprises. It's a good solid read, for middle school age. Having been to Key West, I could relate to the setting. I was looking for something a little grittier about teen runaways. I wanted to get to know the characters a little better. It felt...unfinished.
It is a good, short (very) read.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I normally NEVER read books like this so, I guess it's got to be good enough because I finished it. I recommend reading it if you like books with this kind of plot.

[Lucia]

I thought the book Under The banyan Tree was good my favorite part of the book was the description. I also give the book a 4 star rating.