Review of Hunger of the Pine

[Claudia Angelucci]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hunger of the Pine" by Teal Swan.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

In "Hunger of the Pine," Aria's journey is depicted with a realistic lens, vividly illustrating the harsh social challenges that homeless youth navigate.

Aria's origin is marked by adversity. Her mother, Lucy, battles addiction as a very young woman amidst unfortunate circumstances, and her biological father remains unknown. From the tender age of 7, Aria maneuvers through a series of foster homes. Eventually placed with religious foster parents, her teenage years are marred by abuse. Aria escapes this toxic environment, determined to avoid facing abandonment once again.

The narrative unfolds Aria's street life, detailing her interactions with a diverse range of individuals, most notably her talkative companion, Taylor. A young homosexual with ambitious dreams, Taylor maintains a positive spirit untouched by life's harsh realities. As they venture to Los Angeles, the duo encounters a community of homeless people residing in a car lot, becoming part of the outcasts of societal ambition—the bearers of shadows that few are willing to confront. The book vividly portrays their struggles with homelessness and the remarkable bond of friendship formed amidst adversity.

Aria's character is authentically crafted, capturing the internal battles beneath her seemingly silent exterior. Despite her desperation and resilience, she remains generously kind and compassionate. Bravery consistently seeks out Aria when mercy falls short.

Whether it's Doña Lolita or Omkar, every character, regardless of their duration in the narrative, is portrayed in a way that deeply resonates and feels relatable. Taylor is my favorite character, teaching Aria how to cut her losses without cutting loose her hope.

Teal Swan's survivor background lends authenticity, blending exceptional fluidity and poetic touch in her writing style. This fictional novel is a blend of sadness, tragedy, hope, and philosophical wisdom, delving into themes of violence, abuse, and desperation, interwoven with moments of love, beauty, and hope. It stands as an emotionally compelling and powerful read.

Readers should be aware that the book delves into mature and sensitive content, exploring themes that may be intense or triggering.

This book captivated me from the very first page. I found nothing to dislike about it. The overall editing is well-done; I noticed only a couple of very minor errors while reading, which won't affect my rating. I enthusiastically give "Hunger of the Pine" 5 out of 5 stars.

The book strongly conveys the universality of homelessness, emphasizing its susceptibility to circumstances that can impact anyone. Despite our inclination to create distance for security, the homeless share our fundamental humanity, carrying shadows we might overlook. Their actions reveal an unmistakable hunger for love, embodying a profound longing akin to the hunger of the pine. This analogy likens their yearning to a tree stretching its branches toward sunlight, symbolizing the inherent human need for kindness, love, and understanding.

******
Hunger of the Pine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Gerry Steen]

Hunger of the pine is such a nice metaphor. Thank you for pointing it out. Homelessness is a stark reality of our humanity. It shows that we do not care enough for the homeless, that is why they ended up being homeless. It also shows that the homeless prefer to live on the streets so that they can be away from us. Many homeless people own dogs so that law enforcement cannot force them to stay in a shelter in the winter. Many homeless shelters do not allow dogs. The dogs are their best friend. Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, stated that the dogs owned by homeless people have no anxiety issues. This is due to the amount of walking they do with their human companion. I admire people like Taylor who were born with a spirit that always looks on the bright side of things. They provide inspiration to others to not give up. This book sounds like a gem. Thank you.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

At first, I thought this might be an autobiography, but I'm pleased to hear it's fiction. The story could be plucked straight from today's headlines, and it's very topical. It sounds fascinating and one I'm keen to add to my list. Thanks for the positive review.

[Priya Murugesan]

A very thorough review. I already have an interest in reading this book. Your review deepened that interest!