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Rumble cover
Archivist's Choice

Rumble

Ellen Hopkins (2014)

Genre

Psychology / Spirituality / Young Adult / Romance

Reading Time

550 min

Key Themes

See below

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Haunted by his brother's suicide, an atheist teen bent on self-destruction is thrust into a silent darkness where a mysterious 'rumble' forces him to confront the very faith he's vehemently denied.

Synopsis

Matthew Turner, an atheist whose younger brother Danny died by suicide from bullying, is consumed by grief and rage. He blames everyone, including a God he doesn't believe in, for his family's broken state. His religious girlfriend, Hayden, tries to guide him towards faith and forgiveness, but Matthew remains defiant, choosing a path of reckless self-destruction. This leads to a horrific accident that leaves him in a coma. In this dark, silent state, Matthew experiences visions and memories, hearing a mysterious 'rumble' that challenges his atheism and forces him to confront his anger. Hayden's constant presence and prayers at his bedside, coupled with his internal spiritual awakening, slowly pull him back. As he recovers, Matthew reconciles with his family, forgives those who wronged him, and embraces a life of faith and purpose, finally understanding that 'it gets better' is possible.
Reading time
550 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Dark, Emotional, Reflective, Hopeful, Spiritual
✓ Read this if...
You're interested in a raw, emotional exploration of grief, faith, and forgiveness through the eyes of a young adult, especially if you appreciate verse novels.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted reads, are uncomfortable with themes of suicide and intense spiritual questioning, or dislike poetry/verse novel formats.

Plot Summary

The Aftermath of Danny's Suicide

Matthew Turner is reeling from the suicide of his younger brother, Danny, who was bullied. This tragedy has ripped Matthew's family apart; his mother, Jeanette, is consumed by grief and guilt, while his father, Paul, retreats into himself, and their marriage crumbles. Matthew blames himself, his parents, and the world for not protecting Danny, leading him to reject any notion of a benevolent God or higher power. He sees the world as chaotic and unforgiving, clinging to his anger as a shield. His once close relationship with his girlfriend, Hayden, becomes strained as her strong faith clashes with his atheism and nihilistic worldview. He feels a deep emptiness and a burning desire for retribution against those he holds responsible for Danny's death.

Hayden's Unwavering Faith and Matthew's Rebellion

Hayden, Matthew's girlfriend, is a religious Christian who believes in the power of faith and forgiveness. She tries to comfort Matthew, urging him to find solace in God and to let go of his anger and desire for revenge. However, her efforts are met with fierce resistance. Matthew, fueled by his grief and rage, actively rebels against her beliefs, asserting that there is no God if such a tragedy could befall an innocent like Danny. He adopts a reckless, self-destructive lifestyle, seeking out dangerous thrills and pushing boundaries, convinced that life is meaningless and fleeting. Their relationship becomes a battleground of conflicting ideas, with Hayden's hope clashing against Matthew's despair.

The Confrontation and the Accident

Driven by an overwhelming need for vengeance, Matthew tracks down the bullies responsible for Danny's suicide. He confronts them, and the encounter quickly escalates into a violent brawl. During the chaotic fight, Matthew is badly injured. Afterward, a horrific car accident occurs. The details are initially hazy, but Matthew is involved in a severe crash that leaves him critically injured. This event marks a turning point, plunging him into a deep state of unconsciousness and darkness, a literal and metaphorical silence that forces him to confront his own mortality and the consequences of his actions. The accident is a direct result of his anger and despair, pushing him further into the abyss.

The Dark Silence and the First Rumble

Following the accident, Matthew falls into a deep coma. He describes this state as a 'dark silence,' an empty void where his physical senses are absent, and his mind is adrift. Initially, there is nothing but an overwhelming sense of isolation and nothingness, reinforcing his belief in a godless universe. However, as time passes, a faint, almost imperceptible 'rumble' begins to penetrate the silence. This rumble is not a sound in the traditional sense but a visceral vibration, a subtle stirring that hints at something beyond the void. It is an awakening, a first crack in his hardened atheism, suggesting a connection to something larger than himself, even if he can't yet comprehend it.

Visions and Memories in the Coma

As Matthew remains in his coma, the 'rumble' intensifies, accompanied by a series of vivid visions and fragmented memories. He revisits moments with Danny, both joyful and heartbreaking, replaying their shared past. He also encounters ethereal figures and symbolic landscapes that blur the lines between reality and dream. These experiences are not merely random thoughts; they are profound, emotionally charged encounters that force him to re-evaluate his relationships, his anger, and his understanding of life and death. The visions often feature elements of light and dark, struggle and peace, subtly introducing the idea of a spiritual dimension he has denied. Hayden's voice and presence are often intertwined with these visions, acting as a beacon.

Hayden's Persistent Prayers and Presence

Throughout Matthew's coma, Hayden remains a steadfast presence at his hospital bedside. Despite their previous conflicts and his rejection of her faith, she never wavers in her devotion. She talks to him, reads to him, and, most significantly, prays for him constantly. Her prayers are a tangible sign of her hope and belief, a constant stream of positive energy directed towards Matthew. Her strong faith, once a source of irritation for Matthew, now acts as a subtle, yet powerful, force, a lifeline reaching into his dark silence. Her presence, both physical and spiritual, is a key element in his journey towards awakening, even if he is not consciously aware of it.

The Growing Rumble and Spiritual Awakening

The 'rumble' within Matthew grows stronger, evolving from a vague vibration into a profound, undeniable spiritual presence. It is an internal awakening that transcends his physical state, challenging his atheistic worldview. He begins to feel a connection to something vast and benevolent, a sense of peace and understanding that he had previously dismissed as impossible. This awakening is not a sudden conversion but a gradual shift, a realization that there may be more to existence than what he can perceive with his physical senses. He starts to question his absolute certainty about the absence of God and begins to open himself to the possibility of faith, forgiveness, and a purpose beyond his pain.

Reconciliation with Family and Forgiveness

As Matthew's consciousness begins to return, his newfound spiritual awareness extends to his relationships. He realizes the depth of his parents' grief and their own struggles after Danny's death. The anger he harbored towards them begins to disappear, replaced by empathy and a desire for reconciliation. He understands that blame only perpetuates suffering and that forgiveness, both for himself and others, is essential for healing. This process is difficult, requiring painful conversations and a willingness to acknowledge his own role in the family's fractured state. He begins to mend the broken bonds, understanding that his family, though imperfect, loves him deeply.

Waking Up and Embracing Life

Matthew finally awakens from his coma, a changed person. The dark silence is replaced by the sounds and sights of the world, but his internal landscape has been irrevocably altered. He carries with him the profound experiences of the 'rumble' and the spiritual awakening. While he doesn't immediately become a devout Christian like Hayden, he has a newfound openness to faith and a deeper understanding of spiritual truth. He is no longer consumed by anger and nihilism but is filled with a sense of purpose and a desire to live. He embraces life with a new perspective, appreciating its beauty and complexity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Living with Faith and Purpose

Matthew's journey culminates in a commitment to living a life guided by his newfound understanding. He dedicates himself to honoring Danny's memory not through vengeance, but through positive action and by spreading a message of hope and resilience. He becomes an advocate against bullying, using his own painful experience to help others. His relationship with Hayden deepens, now built on mutual respect and shared spiritual understanding. He continues to grapple with the complexities of faith, but he no longer rejects it outright. Instead, he embraces the ongoing journey of spiritual growth, finding solace and strength in his connection to something greater than himself, and striving to make a positive impact on the world.

Principal Figures

Matthew Turner

The Protagonist

Matthew transforms from a bitter, revenge-driven atheist into a more empathetic and spiritually open individual who finds purpose in advocating against bullying.

Hayden

The Supporting

Hayden remains consistently faithful and loving, her steadfastness serving as a anchor for Matthew's tumultuous journey.

Danny Turner

The Mentioned

Danny's arc is completed before the story begins, but his memory drives Matthew's emotional and spiritual journey.

Jeanette Turner

The Supporting

Jeanette slowly begins to heal and reconnect with Matthew as he begins his own journey of forgiveness.

Paul Turner

The Supporting

Paul gradually begins to re-engage with his family as Matthew's healing process encourages his own.

Themes & Insights

Grief, Anger, and Forgiveness

The novel explores the destructive nature of unprocessed grief and anger, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. Matthew's initial response to Danny's death is overwhelming anger and a thirst for revenge, which only isolates him further and leads to his near-fatal accident. His journey through the 'dark silence' forces him to confront this anger and realize its futility. The eventual 'rumble' and his spiritual awakening are linked to his ability to forgive, first himself, then his parents, and finally, the bullies, allowing him to heal and move forward. Hayden's constant message of forgiveness acts as a crucial counterpoint to Matthew's rage, highlighting its transformative potential.

“There is no God, no benevolent ruler of the earth, no omnipotent grand poobah of countless universes. Because if there was ... my little brother would still be fishing or playing basketball instead of fertilizing cemetery vegetation.”

— Matthew Turner

Faith vs. Atheism / Spirituality

A central theme is the conflict between atheism and the search for spiritual meaning. Matthew begins as a staunch atheist, convinced that Danny's death proves the non-existence of God. His coma and the 'rumble' experience challenge this worldview, forcing him to consider the possibility of a spiritual dimension beyond empirical proof. The book doesn't necessarily convert him to a specific religion but opens him to a broader sense of spirituality and interconnectedness. Hayden's strong Christian faith provides a consistent perspective of hope and divine love, contrasting with Matthew's initial despair and eventually guiding his own spiritual exploration.

“He's decided to 'live large and go out with a huge bang,' and whatever happens happens. But when a horrific event plunges Matt into a dark, silent place, he hears a rumble … a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he's ever disbelieved into question.”

— Narrator

The Impact of Bullying and Suicide

The novel portrays the consequences of bullying and suicide, not only for the victim but for their entire family and community. Danny's suicide is the catalyst for all the subsequent events, illustrating the ripple effect of such a tragedy. The book highlights the grief, guilt, and anger experienced by Matthew and his parents, showing how a single act of bullying can shatter lives. It implicitly calls for greater awareness and intervention regarding bullying, and for support systems for those left behind. Matthew's eventual advocacy against bullying becomes a way to honor Danny's memory and prevent similar tragedies.

“my little brother would still be fishing or playing basketball instead of fertilizing cemetery vegetation.”

— Matthew Turner

Redemption and Transformation

Matthew's journey is an arc of redemption and transformation. He starts as a broken, vengeful individual, on a path of self-destruction. His near-death experience, however, serves as a crucible, forcing him to shed his anger and embrace a different way of being. The 'rumble' symbolizes an internal shift, a spiritual rebirth that allows him to find meaning and purpose even amidst tragedy. This transformation extends to his relationships, as he seeks reconciliation with his family and finds a new, deeper connection with Hayden, ultimately dedicating himself to a cause greater than himself.

“He hears a rumble … a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he's ever disbelieved into question.”

— Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The 'Rumble'

A metaphorical and sensory experience representing a spiritual awakening.

The 'rumble' is a central metaphorical device. Initially, it's a subtle, almost imperceptible vibration Matthew experiences in his comatose state, signifying a nascent awakening. It gradually intensifies, becoming a profound, visceral sensation that represents a spiritual connection and a challenge to his atheism. It's not a literal sound but an internal, spiritual awakening that shifts his perception of the universe, leading him out of his 'dark silence' and towards a renewed sense of purpose and faith. It acts as a bridge between his physical suffering and his spiritual healing.

Coma/Near-Death Experience (NDE)

A period of unconsciousness that facilitates profound internal change and spiritual exploration.

Matthew's coma, induced by the car accident, serves as a classic narrative device for profound internal transformation. It removes him from external distractions and forces him into an isolated, introspective state – the 'dark silence.' This allows for the exploration of his subconscious, the reliving of memories, and the reception of spiritual insights (the 'rumble') without the interference of his conscious, atheistic mind. The NDE aspect suggests a glimpse beyond the veil of life and death, providing him with a unique perspective that he could not have gained otherwise, directly challenging his materialist worldview.

First-Person Poetic Narrative

A unique, free-verse style that immerses the reader in Matthew's raw emotional state.

Ellen Hopkins' signature free-verse, first-person narrative style is a crucial plot device in 'Rumble.' It allows for a deep, intimate immersion into Matthew's fractured psyche, conveying his raw grief, anger, and eventual spiritual questioning with visceral immediacy. The fragmented lines and non-traditional structure mirror his emotional turmoil and the shattered state of his world. This style also enables the nuanced portrayal of his internal journey, making his spiritual awakening feel organic and deeply personal, rather than didactic, by presenting his thoughts and feelings directly and unfiltered.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Sometimes you have to step outside of the person you've been and remember the person you were meant to be.”

— Matt struggles with his identity and grief after his brother's death.

“The only way to ease our pain is to get rid of the things that cause it.”

— Matt contemplates the sources of his suffering and how to overcome them.

“Love is not a feeling, it's an ability. You have to be able to give it, receive it, and let it go.”

— Matt reflects on the complexities of love and its various forms.

“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.”

— A spiritual guide offers advice on moving forward from past traumas.

“We are all broken in some way, but it's the cracks that let the light in.”

— Matt finds solace in understanding his own imperfections and those of others.

“Faith isn't about having all the answers. It's about trusting even when you don't.”

— Matt grapples with his spiritual beliefs after a significant loss.

“Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles nobody knows about.”

— Matt observes the hidden struggles of those around him.

“The heart wants what it wants, even when it's stupid and illogical.”

— Matt deals with complicated romantic feelings for a girl.

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

— Matt experiences the ongoing process of grieving his brother.

“True courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

— Matt confronts his fears and takes steps to heal.

“You can't heal what you don't acknowledge.”

— Matt learns the importance of confronting his emotions and past experiences.

“We don't get to choose our struggles, but we do get to choose how we respond to them.”

— Matt reflects on agency and personal responsibility in the face of adversity.

“Sometimes the most important journey is the one you take within yourself.”

— Matt embarks on a spiritual and psychological quest for self-understanding.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

Matt's central conflict is his struggle with faith and forgiveness after his younger brother, Jacob, commits suicide due to bullying. He blames God, his family, and his friends, leading him to embrace nihilism and a reckless lifestyle, rejecting Hayden's attempts to guide him towards healing.

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