Review of Hunger of the Pine
-
Ram Sahni
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 128
- Joined: 02 Feb 2024, 13:54
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 51
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ram-sahni.html
- Latest Review: The Kovalenko Secret by Philip L Rettew
Review of Hunger of the Pine
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hunger of the Pine" by Teal Swan.]
Teal Swan's "Hunger of the Pine" walks a narrow road. It is a coming-of-age story that is full of the unforgiving realities of homelessness, but it wants to transcend those beginnings with a touch of the mystical.
Aria, a teenager who is a victim of the foster care system, runs away from an abusive situation and ends up all by herself on the streets, which are mean. Swan's writing is unpolished and brutal, creating a clear image of the pain in the stomach caused by hunger, the daily fear of being assaulted, and the deep sadness that comes with the solitude of life on the streets. Nevertheless, "Hunger of the Pine" is not just a constant drop into depression. Aria meets a group of homeless people who have their own personal stories of how they came to be in that situation. Swan is creating a picture of grit and camaraderie, thus showing the unspoken code of support and the blazing protection that binds those who live on the edge. The caricature of homelessness does not make it seem romantic, but it does provide a view of the toughness and creativity needed for survival.
The plot shifts abruptly in the second half. Aria is introduced to a world of spiritual teachings and philosophies by a mysterious stranger. This change might make some readers feel confused. On the one hand, it gives way to healing and self-realization, but on the other hand, it seems to be a break from the harsh reality that was the main characteristic of the first half. Is it a pleasant distraction from the roughness, or does it take you to the land of make-believe, leaving the first struggle for survival unfinished?
This is where the book's real value is. Do the fantastical things lessen the original power of the story? Or does it give a hint of hope and a possible route to redemption? These questions will still linger long after finishing the book; hence, the readers will be trying to grapple with the complexities of homelessness and the search for meaning among the hardships. I will give this book 5 stars out of 5. I didn't have any negative feelings about this book in the first place. The editing was very well done. Although the narrative choices are being questioned, "Hunger of the Pine" is a powerful first work. Swan's past job working with homeless youth gives the portrayal a genuine feel. The book is a clear example of the unseen problems that people on the streets face and the extreme actions they take to survive.
This isn't a pleasant read. It's a strict showing of a hard reality, mixed with scenes of beauty and resilience. Those who can tolerate the emotional intensity and who are interested in a story that provokes a debate will find "Hunger of the Pine" a thought-provoking analysis of trauma, survival, and the quest for meaning in adversity. Nevertheless, those looking for a purely gritty, realistic portrayal might get confused by the change of focus.
******
Hunger of the Pine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Teal Swan's "Hunger of the Pine" walks a narrow road. It is a coming-of-age story that is full of the unforgiving realities of homelessness, but it wants to transcend those beginnings with a touch of the mystical.
Aria, a teenager who is a victim of the foster care system, runs away from an abusive situation and ends up all by herself on the streets, which are mean. Swan's writing is unpolished and brutal, creating a clear image of the pain in the stomach caused by hunger, the daily fear of being assaulted, and the deep sadness that comes with the solitude of life on the streets. Nevertheless, "Hunger of the Pine" is not just a constant drop into depression. Aria meets a group of homeless people who have their own personal stories of how they came to be in that situation. Swan is creating a picture of grit and camaraderie, thus showing the unspoken code of support and the blazing protection that binds those who live on the edge. The caricature of homelessness does not make it seem romantic, but it does provide a view of the toughness and creativity needed for survival.
The plot shifts abruptly in the second half. Aria is introduced to a world of spiritual teachings and philosophies by a mysterious stranger. This change might make some readers feel confused. On the one hand, it gives way to healing and self-realization, but on the other hand, it seems to be a break from the harsh reality that was the main characteristic of the first half. Is it a pleasant distraction from the roughness, or does it take you to the land of make-believe, leaving the first struggle for survival unfinished?
This is where the book's real value is. Do the fantastical things lessen the original power of the story? Or does it give a hint of hope and a possible route to redemption? These questions will still linger long after finishing the book; hence, the readers will be trying to grapple with the complexities of homelessness and the search for meaning among the hardships. I will give this book 5 stars out of 5. I didn't have any negative feelings about this book in the first place. The editing was very well done. Although the narrative choices are being questioned, "Hunger of the Pine" is a powerful first work. Swan's past job working with homeless youth gives the portrayal a genuine feel. The book is a clear example of the unseen problems that people on the streets face and the extreme actions they take to survive.
This isn't a pleasant read. It's a strict showing of a hard reality, mixed with scenes of beauty and resilience. Those who can tolerate the emotional intensity and who are interested in a story that provokes a debate will find "Hunger of the Pine" a thought-provoking analysis of trauma, survival, and the quest for meaning in adversity. Nevertheless, those looking for a purely gritty, realistic portrayal might get confused by the change of focus.
******
Hunger of the Pine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Kovalenko Secret by Philip L Rettew
