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Product Description
Books in Canada
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch’s sequel to her 1999 novel, Nobody’s Child, continues the story of three orphaned children during the Adana Massacre of 1909. Both of these books offer gripping stories. One can read them separately, but in order to see these character’s lives in all their depth, I would recommend reading them both. That way the reader can fill in plot gaps, and also see how Skrypuch plays with the narrative.
In The Hunger, Paula’s eating disorder is paralleled with the events taking place during her Armenian grandmother’s childhood. When Paula falls off the balance beam in gym class, she is chastised by a fellow classmate. Mortified, she decides that in order to protect herself and earn the respect of her classmates, she is going to lose weight. Meanwhile, she receives an assignment in history class to research her family’s past. Paula discovers that her grandmother was one of the deportees during the Armenian Genocide. As Paula’s body deteriorates, she undergoes a mystical experience: she finds herself inside the body of her great-grandmother Marta, and experiences first-hand the hardship her grandmother endured.
In Nobody’s Child, Skrypuch stays within the historical context. The children, Mariam, Marta and Onnig, are joined by their orphaned friend Kevork when their parents are killed during the Adana massacre. Skrypuch provides alternating perspectives. While Marta is the central voice of experience in the first book, Mariam and Kevork are the focus of this novel. We do not see much of Marta’s experience in the sequel. That is why it’s worth reading The Hunger (Marta is featured in the second half).
Skrypuch does not stereotype the Armenians or Turks in her novel. Her website refers educators and parents to other websites that provide information on how to teach young people about genocide. Although there are Turkish characters who kill Armenians, and some who are involved in conspiracies and the slave trade, Skrypuch also has Turkish families aiding Armenians and willing to risk their lives to hide and adopt Armenian children.
The one frustration I felt with both of these novels stems from the fact that there’s no conclusion. If on the other hand, Skrypuch’s plan is to write a trilogy, then she has succeeded in keeping the reader hooked. The characters are so well developed that I really cared about what happened to them. I only hope that Skrypuch is planning to continue their story.
M.J. Fishbane (Books in Canada)
In The Hunger, Paula’s eating disorder is paralleled with the events taking place during her Armenian grandmother’s childhood. When Paula falls off the balance beam in gym class, she is chastised by a fellow classmate. Mortified, she decides that in order to protect herself and earn the respect of her classmates, she is going to lose weight. Meanwhile, she receives an assignment in history class to research her family’s past. Paula discovers that her grandmother was one of the deportees during the Armenian Genocide. As Paula’s body deteriorates, she undergoes a mystical experience: she finds herself inside the body of her great-grandmother Marta, and experiences first-hand the hardship her grandmother endured.
In Nobody’s Child, Skrypuch stays within the historical context. The children, Mariam, Marta and Onnig, are joined by their orphaned friend Kevork when their parents are killed during the Adana massacre. Skrypuch provides alternating perspectives. While Marta is the central voice of experience in the first book, Mariam and Kevork are the focus of this novel. We do not see much of Marta’s experience in the sequel. That is why it’s worth reading The Hunger (Marta is featured in the second half).
Skrypuch does not stereotype the Armenians or Turks in her novel. Her website refers educators and parents to other websites that provide information on how to teach young people about genocide. Although there are Turkish characters who kill Armenians, and some who are involved in conspiracies and the slave trade, Skrypuch also has Turkish families aiding Armenians and willing to risk their lives to hide and adopt Armenian children.
The one frustration I felt with both of these novels stems from the fact that there’s no conclusion. If on the other hand, Skrypuch’s plan is to write a trilogy, then she has succeeded in keeping the reader hooked. The characters are so well developed that I really cared about what happened to them. I only hope that Skrypuch is planning to continue their story.
M.J. Fishbane (Books in Canada)
Review
"The Hunger is a beautifully written account of one young woman's journey to find out about her heritage while she struggles with the very real issues of anorexia. It appeals to all generations and helps to guide the reader from present-day realities to the realities of history." (The Horizon )
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling and timely,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Hunger (Paperback)
This book is thoroughly researched and well written from start to finish. The language is accessible to readers of all skill levels while not talking down to them, something that is difficult to do well.Young adults and their parents can learn a great deal from this book, including issues surrounding family dynamics, self-image and anorexia. It also provides a glimpse into the past, a reminder of a chilling tragedy that has been ignored for almost 100 years. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a good read!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for those affected by eating disorders,
By
This review is from: The Hunger (Paperback)
In The Hunger, Marsha Skrypuch has managed to blend the past and present in a stark and compelling comparison of two kinds of hunger. Paula is a victim of anorexia whose views are forever altered when she has a near-death experience and 'steps into' Marta's character from the past. A riveting and important work!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Deft Blend of the Past and Present,
By Gillian Chan (Dundas, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Hunger (Paperback)
Anorexia and Bulimia are subjects that are all too often dealt with in a sensational manner in young adult fiction. Marsha Skrypuch, however, avoids these pitfalls in her wonderful book, "The Hunger", and has written a novel that is thought provoking but never didactic or preachy. The device she chooses to use - of linking fifteen year old Paula's struggles with food to the struggles of her ancestor in early twentieth century Armenia - works beautifully, allowing both Paula and the reader to put these struggles into a context, whilst also broadening the issues raised.
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