Ingrid Rojas Contreras’ Fruit of the Drunken Tree has been praised for its evocative prose and rich portrayal of 1990s Colombia. The novel’s strengths include strong character development and vivid settings. Criticisms involve a occasionally slow pacing and some predictability in plot twists. Overall, it's a compelling debut that resonates emotionally.

Readers who appreciate richly detailed, character-driven narratives set against politically charged backdrops will enjoy Ingrid Rojas Contreras’s Fruit of the Drunken Tree. Fans of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits or Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will find a similar blend of personal and historical storytelling.

Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras is a semi-autobiographical novel set in late 1980s and early 1990s Bogotá, following the friendship of young Chula Santiago and her family's maid, Petrona Sanchez, amidst Colombia's violent unrest. As Petrona is coerced into criminal activities, she ultimately chooses to protect Chula, leading to significant consequences for both. Themes of violence, displacement, and coercion are present.

Mysterious / Dark / Melancholic / Emotional / Nostalgic

- Fruit of the Drunken Tree was inspired by Ingrid Rojas Contreras's own childhood experiences growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, during the volatile era of drug lord Pablo Escobar.
- The novel interweaves themes of socioeconomic disparity and personal resilience, drawing attention to the stark contrasts within Colombian society.
- The book's title references the Brugmansia tree, also known as the "drunken tree," which is native to the Andes and known for its hallucinogenic properties when ingested.

**Chula**  
The protagonist and first-person narrator, whose story spans ages seven to 15, characterized by her emotional, detail-rich narration and insatiable curiosity about the world around her.

**Petrona**  
A young maid whose indirect and sparse narrative voice reflects her protective silence, and whose relationship with Gorrión and familial responsibilities significantly impact her life.

**Mamá**  
Chula's mother, who has risen from poverty to affluence and whose decisions are motivated by both benevolent urges and self-preservation instincts.

**Cassandra**  
Chula's older sister, who acts as a foil to Chula with her authoritative demeanor and pragmatic approach to adapting to new environments.

**Gorrión**  
A key male character whose influence over Petrona is profound, providing her with affection and introducing complexities into her life.

**Papá**  
A peripheral character who provides financial support to the family, noted for his calm demeanor and overconfidence in the face of danger.

Ingrid Rojas Contreras

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Before You Read

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Before You Read Fruit of the Drunken Tree | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Fruit of the Drunken Tree Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2-Petrona [1]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 2-Petrona [1] Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4-Petrona [5]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 4-Petrona [5] Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 11-Petrona [10]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 11-Petrona [10] Summary & Analysis

Chapter 16-Petrona [11]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 16-Petrona [11] Summary & Analysis

Chapter 19-Petrona [14]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 19-Petrona [14] Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-27

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-30

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapters 28-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 31-Petrona [18]

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Chapter 31-Petrona [18] Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Character Analysis

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Themes

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Fruit of the Drunken Tree Essay Topics

Fruit of the Drunken Tree

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