Genre 3 - TROPICAL SECRETS Holocaust Refugees in Cuba by Margarita Engle

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engle, Margarita. 2009. TROPICAL SECRETS: HOLOCAUST REFUGEES IN CUBA. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0805089365

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Through first person narration Margarita Engle tells the story of Daniel, a young Jewish boy from Germany seeking refuge in Cuba after being turned away in both the United States and Canada. This poignant, story, based on factual historical events, is full of emotion and honesty as Engle’s words take the form of a beautifully flowing verse novel. She offers additional points of view as readers are exposed to a native Cuban girl risking everything to help care for refugees (Paloma), to her father (El Gordo) — a corrupt Cuban official accepting bribes for visas, and to a Russian refugee who has made his life in Cuba and accepted the reality of the war (David). Throughout the novel readers will experience an emotional response to the struggles that Daniel, David, and Paloma encounter as they begin to understand the details and effects of the war in Europe and the constant struggle to protect those seeking refuge.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Engle creates an eloquent story of family, friendship, love, trust, faith, and realization in TROPICAL SECRETS. Using figurative language and imagery that plays to the senses, she paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle and corruption of World War II, highlighting its presence in less prominent places (such as Cuba). The narrative voices strike the emotional chords of readers as they solicit feelings of sadness, loss, hope, and friendship. Engle is successful at making an emotional connection with her readers.

Through descriptions of the island, clothing, people, and celebrations like “carnival,” an expressive canvas of setting is laid out. The imagery in the language makes readers feel as though they, too, are present in Cuba. There is little rhyming in each of the pages due to the nature of the poem. It is a free verse narrative of an event in history. The rhythm, however, is an integral part of the novel, shifting and adjusting for the narrator, event being described, and the mood or emotion being conveyed. The overall tone of the novel is somber with glimmers of hope. While the book ends on a more positive note, it is still bittersweet as Daniel never again sees his parents and Paloma’s father is never punished for his corruption.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in KIRKUS REVIEW: “Engle's tireless drive to give voice to the silenced in Cuban history provides fresh options for young readers.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The full-cast narration gives an authentic and distinct voice to each character and will engage listeners. This is historical fiction at its best.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read Engle’s previous two verse novels THE SURRENDER TREE and THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA, both reflecting the history of Cuba.
*Discuss lesser known countries that were affected by WWII and the Holocaust. Lead the children in a discussion about these topics offering for them to share any of their families’ stories