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Family and Belonging
Cinnamon Girl follows a fifteen-year-old girl who, after her grandmother’s death, heads off on an adventure, looking for romance, only to discover a world more dangerous than she imagined. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the politics of the late 1960s and the 1970s. I did live through that era but like Eli I was young and didn’t understand a lot of what was going on. The set up has a basis in my life. I did grow up in an environment of arts and music, and for one year of my life I lived in Webster Groves, Missouri, with my older brother and his wife and kids. Like Eli’s dad, my brother was against the war in Vietnam, but there the similarities stop.
Eli’s story is not your typical coming-of-age tale of a young girl; rather, she encounters a world filled with anger and strife as the country goes through a period of drastic changes and revolution. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When Eli encounters some members of the Black Panthers she gets an inside look at racism and is exposed to her own unconscious bias. But because her step-grandmother was a free spirit and open-minded, Eli is able to understand the unfairness of the situation. I know it’s a cliché these days, but those hippie ideals of “peace, love, and brotherhood” do come to matter to her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This is a story about family and belonging. Eli is constantly searching for and creating family wherever she goes. But none of them are permanent. It isn’t till the end that she finds the home she’s been looking for.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We have just released a second edition of my memoir, The Hummingbird Kiss: My Life as an Addict in the 1970s. The audiobook version of that will be released in February of 2024. And in January we are re-releasing my later memoir, My Mother’s Requiem.
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When her beloved step-grandmother, a semi-retired opera singer, dies of cancer in 1970, 15-year-old Eli Burnes runs away with a draft-dodger, thinking she’s on the road to adventure and romance. What she finds instead is a world of underground Weathermen, Black Power revolutionaries, snitches and shoot-first police. Eventually Eli is rescued by her father, who turns out both more responsible and more revolutionary than she’d imagined. But when he gets in trouble with the law, she finds herself on the road again, searching for the allies who will help her learn how to save herself.
Cinnamon Girl
Trish MacEnulty’s Cinnamon Girl is a compelling foray into the historical fiction genre set in the 1970s. It’s a novel that masterfully captures the essence of a tumultuous era, making it an intriguing read for those fascinated by this significant period in American history.
MacEnulty’s prose is a particular standout in Cinnamon Girl. It’s rich, evocative, and a perfect vehicle for transporting readers back in time. The balance of poetic and gritty language in the book is impressive, skillfully reflecting the emotional and social conflicts of the era. This stylistic choice enhances the immersive experience, making the setting and characters come alive in a vivid and authentic way.
The protagonist, Eli Burnes, embodies the rebellious spirit that defined much of the youth culture of the 70s. Her journey, set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam War America, is both compelling and heart-wrenching. MacEnulty’s portrayal of Eli’s struggle for identity and belonging amidst societal upheaval is deeply impactful, striking a chord with readers who may find parallels in their own search for self amidst chaos. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its unflinching approach to controversial topics. MacEnulty doesn’t shy away from the realities of drugs, politics, sex, family dynamics, and betrayal, making Cinnamon Girl a bold and honest portrayal of the era. This candid approach adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it not just a story about a girl growing up but a reflection of a society in flux.
Cinnamon Girl transcends the typical boundaries of coming-of-age fiction, offering a thought-provoking, immersive experience. It’s a novel that resonates long after the final page, making it a must-read for those who appreciate historical narratives that don’t just recount events but delve into the emotional undercurrents of an era. MacEnulty has created a memorable work that is as educational as it is entertaining, making it a highly recommended book for readers who enjoy a deep, meaningful exploration of history through the lens of personal growth and societal change.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B0CHC8N4BS
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