Who is Pattyn Von Stratten and what is her primary motivation at the beginning of 'Smoke'?

Pattyn Von Stratten is the protagonist, a young woman who has endured years of severe abuse from her father. Her primary motivation at the start of 'Smoke' is to find peace and escape her past, particularly after her father's death, which she is implicated in, and the trauma of losing Ethan and their child.

What role does Pattyn's sister, Jackie, play in the narrative, and what is her situation?

Jackie is Pattyn's younger sister and the only one who knows the truth about their father's death. She remains trapped at home with their mother, who is in denial and allows community leaders to cover up the incident, leaving Jackie isolated and struggling with the secret and Pattyn's absence.

Where does Pattyn go to start her new life, and what kind of work does she undertake?

Pattyn travels to California and begins a new life as a migrant worker on a ranch. She adopts a new identity and immerses herself in the physically demanding labor, hoping to blend in and escape her past.

How does the community in 'Smoke' react to the father's death, and what does this reveal about their values?

The community, influenced by their domineering leaders, actively participates in covering up the true circumstances of the father's death, opting for a narrative that maintains their perceived normalcy. This reveals a deep-seated desire to uphold appearances and control information, even at the cost of justice and truth.

Are there any subtle clues or foreshadowing in the early chapters about Pattyn's father's death that hint at the truth?

The narrative subtly emphasizes Pattyn's desperate need for peace and the extreme nature of her father's abuse, implying that the death was not accidental. Jackie's isolation and knowledge of the 'fatal night' further hint at Pattyn's involvement, suggesting a violent end to the abuse rather than a natural one.

How does the author use the setting of the California ranch to symbolize Pattyn's internal state or journey?

The harsh, demanding environment of the migrant worker ranch symbolizes Pattyn's internal struggle for survival and her attempt to shed her past identity. The physical labor and transient nature of the work mirror her desire to escape, yet the new relationships she forms represent her gradual healing and growth.

Are there any recurring motifs or symbols, such as fire or smoke, that carry deeper meaning throughout the book?

The motifs of 'smoke' and 'ashes' are central, symbolizing the destruction of Pattyn's old life and the possibility of rebirth. Smoke represents the lingering presence of her past trauma and the obscured truth, while rising from the ashes signifies her journey of healing and rebuilding.

What is the significance of Pattyn's disguise and new identity in her psychological journey?

Pattyn's disguise and new identity are critical psychological defenses, allowing her to physically and emotionally distance herself from her traumatic past. It's a coping mechanism to escape not only legal repercussions but also the overwhelming weight of her identity as a victim and a perceived perpetrator.

How does Pattyn's grief for Ethan and their unborn child manifest throughout her new life?

Pattyn's grief for Ethan and their child manifests as a persistent undertone of sadness and a longing for the future they lost. It fuels her desire for peace but also creates internal conflict, as she grapples with survivor's guilt and the impossibility of fully moving on without acknowledging her past losses.

Describe the psychological impact of the community's cover-up on Jackie and her mother.

The cover-up creates a profound psychological burden on Jackie, forcing her into isolation and silent complicity, which can lead to trauma and guilt. Her mother's active participation in the denial suggests a deep-seated fear of social ostracization and a desperate attempt to maintain a fragile sense of normalcy, despite the underlying truth.

How does Pattyn grapple with the moral implications of her father's death, and what does this reveal about her character?

Pattyn grapples with the moral implications by seeking peace and attempting to outrun her past, but the truth constantly haunts her. This internal struggle reveals her deep-seated conscience and her desire for justice, even as she is driven by self-preservation, showing her complexity as a survivor of abuse.

Is Pattyn's flight from her past an act of cowardice or an act of strength, and why?

Pattyn's flight is arguably an act of immense strength. After enduring years of abuse and profound loss, her decision to escape and carve out a new life, despite the immense personal risk and emotional toll, demonstrates resilience and a powerful will to survive and heal, rather than succumbing to despair.

How does 'Smoke' explore the theme of justice, both legal and personal, in the context of abuse?

'Smoke' explores the failure of legal justice for abuse victims, as the community covers up the truth. Personal justice is depicted through Pattyn's journey to find peace and rebuild her life, suggesting that for some survivors, justice comes in the form of escape and self-presreveration rather than legal retribution.

What is the significance of the title 'Smoke' in relation to the book's overarching themes?

The title 'Smoke' signifies several key themes: the lingering, obscured truth of Pattyn's past, the 'smoke screen' of lies and denial in her community, and the idea of rising from the 'ashes' of her destroyed life. It embodies both the trauma she carries and her potential for renewal.

Does the book offer a definitive resolution to the question of Pattyn's culpability in her father's death, or does it leave it ambiguous?

The book carefully navigates Pattyn's culpability, often leaving it ambiguous in terms of direct action, but strongly implying her involvement in the events leading to her father's death through Jackie's knowledge and Pattyn's flight. The focus is more on the aftermath and her psychological journey than a clear-cut confession.

How does the author use the free verse format to enhance the psychological depth and emotional impact of Pattyn's story?

The free verse format allows for a raw, unfiltered expression of Pattyn's thoughts and emotions, mirroring her fragmented state of mind and the intensity of her trauma. It creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader directly into her psychological landscape and amplifying the emotional impact of her journey.

Smoke Summary by Ellen Hopkins | BookBrief

Name: Smoke
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.33 (11390 reviews)
ISBN: B006VJN17S

Haunted by a past of abuse and loss, Pattyn flees her oppressive community to find a new life as a migrant worker, only to discover that outrunning her ghosts is far harder than escaping her family.

Synopsis

Pattyn Von Stratten escapes her abusive father's home after his death and flees to California, taking on a new identity as a migrant worker. She seeks peace on a ranch, haunted by her past and the loss of her boyfriend Ethan and their unborn child. Meanwhile, her younger sister Jackie remains at home, isolated and silenced by their mother and community leaders who cover up the truth of their father's death. Jackie struggles with her faith and the pressure to appear normal, while secretly wanting Pattyn's return and the truth to be revealed. Pattyn finds community and romance on the ranch, but her past eventually catches up to her, forcing a confrontation with those who seek to control her story. Both sisters must ultimately decide whether to continue living with lies or bravely stand for their own truths, leading to a resolution where they begin to find hope and healing after their trauma.

Reading time

600 min

Difficulty

Medium

Pacing

Moderate

Mood

Dark, Intense, Hopeful, Emotional, Reflective

✓ Read this if...

You enjoy intense, character-driven young adult novels that tackle heavy themes like abuse, trauma, and the search for identity and redemption.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer lighter reads and are sensitive to themes of abuse, religious manipulation, and significant emotional distress.

Plot Summary

Escape from Redemption

After her abusive father's death, Pattyn Von Stratten, seventeen, makes a desperate escape from her fundamentalist Mormon community in Redemption, Nevada. She leaves behind her younger sister, Jackie, who witnessed their father's death. Pattyn is haunted by memories of her father's cruelty, the loss of her beloved Ethan, and the miscarriage of their child. Dressed in plain clothes and with dyed hair, Pattyn hitchhikes, determined to disappear and start a new life, far from the judgment and control of her past. She carries the weight of her trauma and the secret of her father's death, fearing both discovery and returning to her old life.

Jackie's Silence and Isolation

Back in Redemption, Jackie navigates the aftermath of her father's death. Their mother, desperate to save appearances and avoid scandal, denies the abuse and lets church leaders control the story, framing Pattyn as a runaway and her father's death as an accident. Jackie, burdened by the truth and the loss of her sister, feels increasingly alone. Her mother's emotional fragility and the community's rules stop her from speaking out. She misses Pattyn terribly and begins to question her church's teachings and her family's hypocrisy, feeling trapped in her grief and anger.

A New Identity in California

Pattyn, now calling herself 'Pat' and using a new surname, eventually finds herself in California, working as a migrant laborer on a large ranch owned by the wealthy Mr. Wilson. She keeps to herself, avoiding questions about her past and focusing on the hard physical labor of picking fruit. The anonymity and demanding work offer a temporary escape from her inner turmoil. She finds a small, rundown trailer to live in and begins to appreciate the simple rhythm of farm life, far from Redemption's rules. However, the scars of her past, especially the loss of Ethan, continue to haunt her dreams.

The Ranch Community

On the ranch, Pattyn gradually begins to interact with her fellow migrant workers. She observes their camaraderie and resilience, a stark contrast to the rigid community she left. She is drawn to Manny, a kind and observant young man who works alongside her. Manny is patient and understanding, sensing Pattyn's guarded nature but not pressing her for details. Their interactions are hesitant at first but slowly grow into a quiet friendship. Pattyn also meets other workers like Rosa, who offers a maternal presence, and Mateo, a more cynical but decent man. These new relationships provide a fragile sense of belonging she hasn't felt in a long time.

Jackie's Rebellion and Questioning Faith

Back in Redemption, Jackie's frustration with her mother's denial and the church's control grows. She begins to secretly read books and question the strict doctrines she's been taught. Her mother, increasingly withdrawn and dependent on the church's support, does not notice Jackie's internal rebellion. Jackie starts to push back against expectations, expressing her anger and grief more openly. She struggles with her faith, feeling betrayed by a God who allowed her father's abuse and her sister's suffering. A new, charismatic young elder in the church further complicates her feelings, making her question the true intentions of those in power.

Pattyn's Past Unveiled

As Pattyn and Manny's relationship deepens, she confides in him, slowly revealing parts of her traumatic past. She talks about her father's abuse, the loss of Ethan, and the baby she miscarried. Manny listens without judgment, offering comfort and support. He encourages her to confront her pain rather than bury it. Pattyn's trust in Manny grows, and she begins to imagine a future where she might not have to hide. However, the fear of her past catching up to her remains, making her hesitant to fully embrace this new connection and the potential for happiness.

The Search for Pattyn

Driven by guilt, fear of community judgment, and a complicated love for her daughter, Pattyn's mother eventually gives in to pressure from the church to find Pattyn. She hires a private investigator, believing that bringing Pattyn back will restore order and reputation to their family. Unbeknownst to her, this action puts Pattyn in greater danger, as the investigator's methods are not always ethical. Jackie, aware of the search, feels a mix of hope and dread, knowing that Pattyn's return could either bring healing or further expose their family's secrets.

Confrontation and Betrayal

The private investigator eventually tracks Pattyn down at the ranch. The confrontation is sudden and terrifying, forcing Pattyn to relive her fear of being controlled. Manny stands by her side, offering protection and support. The investigator threatens to expose Pattyn's past and the circumstances of her father's death, demanding her return to Redemption. Pattyn faces an agonizing choice: run again, abandoning her new life and Manny, or face the truth and the potential consequences of her actions, including legal repercussions for her father's death. This moment shatters the fragile peace she had built.

Jackie's Stand

Meanwhile, in Redemption, Jackie reaches her breaking point. Unable to bear the lies and injustice any longer, she decides to act. She confronts her mother and the church elders, revealing the full extent of her father's abuse and the truth behind his death. Her brave confession, though met with initial disbelief and anger from some, begins to dismantle the carefully constructed facade of their community. Jackie's actions are a desperate plea for justice for Pattyn and for herself, hoping to clear her sister's name and expose the hypocrisy that has plagued their lives.

The Aftermath and Hope

The truth about Pattyn's father and the family's history of abuse finally comes to light, shocking Redemption. Pattyn, supported by Manny, decides to return and face the consequences, determined to tell her story and seek justice. While the future is uncertain and full of legal and emotional challenges, both sisters find strength in each other and in their allies. The book ends with cautious optimism, as Pattyn and Jackie begin the difficult process of healing, confronting their trauma, and rebuilding their lives on a foundation of truth and resilience, looking towards a future free from their past.

Principal Figures

Pattyn Von Stratten

The Protagonist

Pattyn transforms from a terrified, secretive runaway into a resilient woman who confronts her past and reclaims her voice, learning to trust and accept love.

Jackie Von Stratten

The Supporting

Jackie evolves from a silenced, obedient girl into a courageous truth-teller, challenging her community and family for justice.

Manny

The Supporting

Manny remains a steady, supportive presence, helping Pattyn to heal and trust again without undergoing significant personal transformation himself.

Mother (Mrs. Von Stratten)

The Supporting

Her arc is one of gradual, painful realization, as she is forced to confront the truth she long suppressed, leading to a breakdown of her denial.

Mr. Wilson

The Supporting

Mr. Wilson provides a stable environment for Pattyn but does not undergo a significant personal arc.

Ethan

The Mentioned

Ethan's memory serves as a catalyst for Pattyn's emotional journey, though he is not a living character.

Private Investigator

The Antagonist

The private investigator's arc is limited to his pursuit of Pattyn, acting as an external threat.

Themes & Insights

The Weight of Trauma and Abuse

The novel explores the lasting psychological effects of child abuse and trauma. Pattyn's entire being is shaped by her father's cruelty, leading to her flight, her distrust of others, and her grief over Ethan and her lost child. Jackie also bears the scars of witnessing the abuse and living in a household of denial. The story shows how trauma appears as fear, secrecy, and a struggle for identity, as seen when Pattyn changes her name and appearance to escape her past, or when Jackie suffers in silence in Redemption.

““Every breath I take is a battle against the past, a fight to keep the smoke from choking me.””

Escape and the Search for Freedom

A main theme is the human need for freedom from oppressive circumstances. Pattyn's journey is a literal and metaphorical escape from her abusive home, her fundamentalist community, and the expectations placed upon her. Her flight to California and her attempts to create a new identity show her desire for self-determination and peace. This theme also appears in Jackie's internal rebellion against the church's doctrines and her mother's denial, as she seeks intellectual and emotional freedom from the lies that bind her family.

““I wanted to disappear, to shed my skin and be someone new, someone unburned.””

Truth vs. Denial

The conflict between truth and denial drives the story. Pattyn's mother and the Redemption community actively suppress the truth about the father's abuse and his death, choosing to maintain a facade of normalcy and piety. This denial causes suffering for both Pattyn and Jackie. Jackie's decision to speak out against this denial is a turning point, showing the necessity of confronting painful truths for healing and justice to begin. The novel suggests that denial, while offering temporary comfort, ultimately leads to deeper wounds and prevents real reconciliation.

““Lies are easy. Truth is a wildfire.””

The Power of Connection and Trust

Amidst the trauma and isolation, the novel highlights the healing power of genuine human connection and the difficult process of learning to trust again. Pattyn's gradual relationship with Manny shows this, as his unwavering support and acceptance slowly break down her defenses. Similarly, Jackie's bond with Pattyn, even when separated, gives her strength. These connections offer a lifeline, showing that even after deep betrayal and abuse, it is possible to form healthy relationships and find comfort in the empathy and understanding of others, paving the way for recovery.

““He didn't ask me to be fixed. He just asked me to be.””

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

First-Person Poetic Narrative

The story is told through free-verse poetry from Pattyn's and Jackie's alternating perspectives.

The novel employs a unique first-person narrative style, predominantly in free-verse poetry, alternating between Pattyn's and Jackie's perspectives. This device allows for a deeply intimate and raw exploration of their inner thoughts, emotions, and trauma. The poetic form enhances the emotional intensity and allows for powerful imagery and metaphor to convey the sisters' pain, fear, and nascent hope. It also creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, drawing the reader directly into their psychological landscapes and making their experiences visceral and impactful.

Symbolism of 'Smoke' and 'Fire'

Representing the destructive past, hidden truths, and the potential for rebirth.

The recurring symbols of 'smoke' and 'fire' are central to the novel's themes. 'Smoke' often represents the lingering effects of trauma, the obfuscation of truth, and the suffocating memories of the past that Pattyn tries to escape. 'Fire,' while destructive (referencing the previous novel 'Burned' and the burning away of her old life), also symbolizes purification, transformation, and the potential for rebirth from the ashes. Pattyn's journey is about moving through the smoke of her past to find a clearer, unburned future, acknowledging that sometimes destruction is necessary for new growth.

The Fundamentalist Community (Redemption)

A restrictive and hypocritical setting that acts as an antagonist.

The fundamentalist Mormon community of Redemption, Nevada, serves as a significant plot device, acting almost as an antagonist itself. It is a place of rigid rules, enforced conformity, and a culture of silence that enables abuse and punishes those who deviate. Its judgmental nature and emphasis on appearances over truth force Pattyn to flee and keep Jackie trapped. The community's pressure on the mother to maintain a facade and find Pattyn drives much of the external conflict, highlighting the suffocating power of religious extremism and societal judgment.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Sometimes you have to burn something to the ground to see what rises from the ashes.”

— Kristi's journey of overcoming her past and finding a new beginning.

“The hardest part of saying goodbye is knowing you might never say hello again.”

— A reflection on the finality of certain departures.

“Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes it's messy and complicated, and you have to fight for it.”

— Kristi and Grant's tumultuous relationship.

“We all have secrets, the ones we keep, and the ones that keep us.”

— The characters dealing with hidden truths and their impact.

“Sometimes the only way out is through the fire.”

— A character facing a difficult and painful situation head-on.

“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can make you believe in things that aren't real.”

— A character's cynical view on hope after experiencing disappointment.

“It's easy to judge someone until you've walked a mile in their ashes.”

— Emphasizing empathy for those who have endured hardship.

“The past is like smoke; you can try to contain it, but it always finds a way to escape.”

— Kristi grappling with her history and its lingering effects.

“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.”

— A character overcoming pride to seek support.

“We are all just trying to find our way back home, even if we don't know where home is anymore.”

— The characters' search for belonging and stability.

“Forgiveness isn't about forgetting; it's about letting go of the anger.”

— A character's struggle to forgive someone who hurt them.

“The truth has a way of burning through everything, eventually.”

— The inevitable revelation of secrets and lies.

“You can't outrun your demons. Eventually, you have to turn around and face them.”

— A character confronting their internal struggles.

Quiz

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'Smoke' follows Pattyn Von Stratten as she flees her home after her abusive father's death. It's a direct continuation of 'Burned,' which detailed Pattyn's life of abuse, her forbidden romance with Ethan, and the tragic loss of him and their unborn child, setting the stage for her desperate escape.

About the author

Ellen Hopkins

Biography coming soon.

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Synopsis

Plot Summary

Escape from Redemption

Jackie's Silence and Isolation

A New Identity in California

The Ranch Community

Jackie's Rebellion and Questioning Faith

Pattyn's Past Unveiled

The Search for Pattyn

Confrontation and Betrayal

Jackie's Stand

The Aftermath and Hope

Principal Figures

Pattyn Von Stratten

Jackie Von Stratten

Manny

Mother (Mrs. Von Stratten)

Mr. Wilson

Ethan

Private Investigator

Themes & Insights

The Weight of Trauma and Abuse

Escape and the Search for Freedom

Truth vs. Denial

The Power of Connection and Trust

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

First-Person Poetic Narrative

Symbolism of 'Smoke' and 'Fire'

The Fundamentalist Community (Redemption)

Critical analysis

In-depth analysis

Strengths

Areas for improvement

Notable Quotes

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Key Questions (FAQ)

What is the central premise of 'Smoke' and how does it connect to the previous book, 'Burned'?

Who is Pattyn Von Stratten and what is her primary motivation at the beginning of 'Smoke'?

What role does Pattyn's sister, Jackie, play in the narrative, and what is her situation?

Where does Pattyn go to start her new life, and what kind of work does she undertake?

How does the community in 'Smoke' react to the father's death, and what does this reveal about their values?

Are there any subtle clues or foreshadowing in the early chapters about Pattyn's father's death that hint at the truth?

How does the author use the setting of the California ranch to symbolize Pattyn's internal state or journey?

Are there any recurring motifs or symbols, such as fire or smoke, that carry deeper meaning throughout the book?

What is the significance of Pattyn's disguise and new identity in her psychological journey?

How does Pattyn's grief for Ethan and their unborn child manifest throughout her new life?

Describe the psychological impact of the community's cover-up on Jackie and her mother.

How does Pattyn grapple with the moral implications of her father's death, and what does this reveal about her character?

Is Pattyn's flight from her past an act of cowardice or an act of strength, and why?

How does 'Smoke' explore the theme of justice, both legal and personal, in the context of abuse?

What is the significance of the title 'Smoke' in relation to the book's overarching themes?

Does the book offer a definitive resolution to the question of Pattyn's culpability in her father's death, or does it leave it ambiguous?

How does the author use the free verse format to enhance the psychological depth and emotional impact of Pattyn's story?

About the author

Ellen Hopkins

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