Forged by Fire
Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper is a poignant narrative published by Simon Pulse in January 1998. This reprint edition spans 160 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Gerald, a young boy whose fascination with fire leads to a series of tragic events, including the loss of his mother and the challenges posed by a violent stepfather. Despite these hardships, Gerald’s bond with his half-sister, Angel, remains a source of hope as he navigates the complexities of family and personal struggles.
Readers will find a compelling exploration of social issues, including family dynamics and child abuse, as Gerald strives to protect Angel while pursuing his passion for basketball. The narrative delves into the harsh realities of their lives, highlighting themes of resilience and the importance of familial love. As Gerald faces the painful truths of his past and the dangers surrounding them, he ultimately confronts his stepfather in a climactic moment. Draper’s work interweaves elements from her previous novel, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected characters and experiences that resonate throughout the story.
Official synopsis Publisher
When Gerald was a child he was fascinated by fire. But fire is dangerous and powerful, and tragedy strikes. His substance-addicted mother is taken from him. Then he loses the loving generosity of a favorite aunt. A brutal stepfather with a flaming temper and an evil secret makes his life miserable. The one bright light in Gerald’s life is his little half sister, Angel, whom he struggles to protect from her father, Jordan Sparks, who abuses her, and from their mother, whose irresponsible behavior forces Gerald to work hard to keep the family together.
As a teenager, Gerald finds success as a member of the Hazelwood Tigers basketball team, while Angel develops her talents as a dancer. Trouble still haunts them, however, and Gerald learns, painfully, that young friends can die and old enemies must be faced. In the end he must stand up to his stepfather alone in a blazing confrontation.
Sharon M. Draper has interwoven characters and events from her previous novel, Tears of a Tiger, in this unflinchingly realistic portrayal of poverty and child abuse. It is an inspiring story of a young man who rises above the tragic circumstances of his life by drawing on the love and strength of family and friends.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Forged by Fire” about?
Who is the author of “Forged by Fire”?
When was “Forged by Fire” published?
What is the ISBN for “Forged by Fire”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
