The Flame Tree

by Richard Lewis

Isaac Williams, twelve-year-old son of American doctors at a mission hospital in Java, Indonesia, is certain that his friendship with Ismail Sutanto is as solid and enduring as the majestic flame tree in the yard. But the haven of their small world is shattered when a fundamentalist Islamic organization begins to threaten the hospital. Terrorists infiltrate, the State Department orders an evacuation, bombs explode, and Isaac is taken hostage.

The experience embitters Isaac. He knows that he should forgive those who have hurt him, yet he doesn't think that he can. His life is changed forever, but will it be forever crippled by his bitterness?

Set against the backdrop of September 11, 2001, The Flame Tree is a fierce novel of friendship, faith, and forgiveness. Richard Lewis tells a story that is at once timely and timeless, one that has the power to move hearts and open eyes.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Coming Of Age, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Teen

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flame Tree by Richard Lewis tells the story of a young boy named Isaac Williams who now lives in Indonesia after his parents were put to work there by the U.S. government. Personally, I found this to be a good book if you have some free time and you're not really busy doing much else. Each chapter it feels that it is wrapped up so well you can tell some good thought and hard work was put into this book. The author is very descriptive in his words as well and it almost paints a sharp image of what's happening in your head. This book portrays a strong message of friendships and adapting to new things. Overall, I definitely recommend this book and enjoyed it a lot!

[Brandeis Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I read in middle school that stuck with me. Will always remember its complexity and the way it made me think. Loved it.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flame Tree far surpassed my expectations! Isaac, the son of American missionary doctors is being raised at a combination hospital/school in Indonesia. There is unrest in the small city that he lives in when a new religious leader emerges. Despite having been raised in the city, playing with the local kids, attending local festivals, and frequenting neighborhood businesses, Isaac finds himself suddenly an outcast who is no longer safe.

When Isaac becomes an important figure in the religious and cultural struggle that develops, both he and his family learn more about themselves, trust, and the nature of their spirituality. This is not a religious book, but it does explore the universal themes of forgiveness, acceptance, belief, and faith.

The Flame Tree reminds me of The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. It may have been even better because of the modern setting and events that are so close to our present lives. I highly recommend this book. It is the best book that I have read this year to date.

[Roy Hage · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Flame Tree’ is a book dealing with Islamic fundamentalism after 9/11, stereotyping about the Islamic revolution over the world. It tries to show us the real Islam settling in U.S. It all goes around the experience that Isaac, a 12 years old American boy, who became bitter along with his friend who he met; Isaac’s adventure starts when he travels to U.S and experiences from the betrayal of terrorists. He tries to pardon those who have harmed him, though he doesn’t know if he can. His life is changed forever after several circumstances in his life, where he had to go through troubles with the society, although there is some measure of understanding among the frustrating parties at the end.

[Thorn MotherIssues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen reading challenge. I'm conflicted about this one because it definitely gives a better view of Islam than if ALL the Muslims were terrorists, and yet the terrorists are awfully brutal. The Javanese setting is beautifully described, but the protagonist's time in captivity seems totally unrealistic. I don't really know how I feel about it, I guess. I mean, the "good guy" terrorist is going to make a big deal about the "peace be upon him" after Muhammad's name but then doesn't use it himself for Jesus or Moses? So much doesn't ring true at all, but I'd still rather little Christian kids read something with SOME decent content about Islam over something with none at all. I guess.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For once i strayed out of my reading-comfort-zone and found that that can be quite a good thing to do. I enjoyed this novel about a 12 year old son of american Christian missionary doctors in islamic Indonesia. The two parties have always lived peacefully side by side, until the spring and summer of 2001 when a radical anti-american group of muslims pops up into the boys home town of Wonobo, the compound is all blocked off and the boy (Isaac) is no longer allowed to see his best friend. What really throws his world upside-down, however, is 9/11.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isaac Williams is the son of missionary doctors in Wonobo, Java. He goes to the mission school and spends his free time with a Muslim friend, Ismail. After September 11, unrest errupts against Americans and the mission is evacuated. The helicoptor Isaac is on goes down and he is captured by a military sect. Held prisoner, he is instructed in Islam and pressured to convert. Now Isaac must decide his faith and his fate.

[Lillian Nemmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good I would tell everyone to read this. This book is very personal to Issac and tells a lot about him. I would read this book a lot if I could. I think that this book I very good because it gave a lot of detail. Also this book was very interesting because I didn't know about a lot of stuff in this book. Also I feel bad for Issac's parents because all they want if their son back. I also don't understand why in the book sometimes it was spelled like Issak instead of Issac.

[Pody Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Richard few years a go when he launched this book. we had little bit conversation about The Flame Tree. He getting inspired this book from the situation in Indonesia about Islam and Christian. He make story about the friendship. A lovely friendship between two kids who have different culture and background.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flame Tree is intelligent and thought-provoking. It is action packed and lyrical, a wonderful contribution to young adult literature, and an excellent read for older adults too.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Semicolon review: http://www.semicolonblog.com/?p=697