Questions About Fruit of the Drunken Tree

by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (6)

With several references of being similar to the writing of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, is this also magic realism?

Ingrid Contreras There is a magical understanding of reality that is very specific to South American culture. This cultural perspective does not come from Magical Real…moreThere is a magical understanding of reality that is very specific to South American culture. This cultural perspective does not come from Magical Realism—rather it is the other way around: Magical Realism was inspired by this cultural perspective. In Fruit of the Drunken Tree I wanted to write a South American experience faithful to this cultural perspective without the fabulism of Magical Realism. To give you an example, in Isabel Allende’s excellent memoir, My Invented Country, when Allende is exploring Chile's religious make-up, she mentions in passing that in addition to the country being largely fundamentalist, born-again, catholic, and atheist, there is also a profound cultural engagement with the idea that devils and evil spirits are real parts of reality. She explains, simply by saying, “My grandfather swore that he saw the devil on a bus, and that he recognized him because he had green cloven hooves like a billygoat.” Any South American can counter this anecdote with hundreds of her own. In Fruit of the Drunken Tree my characters live in this reality—they are beholden to that cultural tradition where the real is perceived within the shadows of the magical.(less)

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Are there any graphic sexual trauma scenes? I am very aware of the narcos and their violence, I just wanted a heads up before reading, as I have a hard time with that particular trauma.

Jessica Villarreal Sexual violence does happen in the book but it is not described in detail. It is mentioned but glossed over.

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Was this book originally written in English or Spanish?

Ingrid Contreras I wrote this book originally in English.

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Would this be appropriate for an 11 year old who has a penchant for historical fiction and enjoys stories driven by social/moral/ethical issues?

Annilyn Spjut In a few years it will match her interests perfectly, but I wouldn’t give it to someone that young. It is very much an adult book. It deals with a lot…moreIn a few years it will match her interests perfectly, but I wouldn’t give it to someone that young. It is very much an adult book. It deals with a lot of very mature subjects (rape, kidnapping, PTSD) in very poignant and painful ways. It tore me up inside to read. (less)

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Why do some of the children at the park refuse to play with Chula and Cassandra?