Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Dark, Intense, Hopeful, Emotional, Reflective
- Read it if
- You enjoy intense, character-driven young adult novels that tackle heavy themes like abuse, trauma, and the search for identity and redemption.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighter reads and are sensitive to themes of abuse, religious manipulation, and significant emotional distress.
Smoke Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
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
Protagonist
A runaway seeking peace after a life of abuse and loss.
Pattyn is a seventeen-year-old girl who has endured horrific abuse at the hands of her fundamentalist Mormon father. She is deeply scarred by her past, including the loss of her first love, Ethan, and their unborn child. Driven by a desperate need for freedom and peace, she flees her community. Pattyn is resilient, resourceful, and fiercely independent, but also deeply vulnerable and haunted by trauma. She struggles with trust and intimacy, often choosing isolation as a coping mechanism, yet yearns for connection and acceptance.
Relationships: Jackie Von Stratten (Younger sister, confidante, fellow victim of abuse, source of both love and guilt.); Manny (Love interest, supportive and understanding partner, helps her heal.); Ethan (Deceased first love, represents lost innocence and a tragic past.); Mr. Wilson (Employer, offers a safe haven and a chance for a new start.)
Jackie Von Stratten
Supporting
Pattyn's younger sister, trapped in Redemption and struggling with the truth.
Jackie is Pattyn's younger sister, who witnessed much of the abuse and the events surrounding their father's death. She is intelligent, observant, and initially more compliant with their community's rules than Pattyn. However, as the story progresses, she grows increasingly disillusioned with her mother's denial and the church's hypocrisy. Jackie carries the burden of knowing the truth and feeling isolated in her grief. She is fiercely loyal to Pattyn and ultimately finds her voice to expose the family's dark secrets, demonstrating immense courage.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Older sister, a source of love, inspiration, and shared trauma.); Mother (Mrs. Von Stratten) (Daughter, struggles with her mother's denial and emotional fragility.)
Manny
Supporting
Pattyn's kind and understanding love interest on the California ranch.
Manny is a fellow migrant worker on Mr. Wilson's ranch. He is kind, patient, and perceptive, immediately sensing Pattyn's guarded nature but never pushing her. He offers her quiet support and a safe space to confide in. Manny represents a chance at a healthy, loving relationship for Pattyn, free from the manipulation and abuse of her past. He is a stable and grounding presence, helping Pattyn to confront her trauma and find a path towards healing. His unwavering belief in her strength is crucial to her journey.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Love interest, confidante, source of healing and support.)
Mother (Mrs. Von Stratten)
Supporting
Pattyn and Jackie's mother, in denial about her husband's abuse.
Pattyn and Jackie's mother is a deeply conflicted and emotionally fragile woman. Trapped by the strictures of her fundamentalist faith and her abusive husband, she enabled the abuse through her denial and inaction. After her husband's death, she clings to appearances and allows the church leaders to control the narrative, prioritizing reputation over her daughters' well-being. She is a tragic figure, a victim in her own right, but her failure to protect her children causes immense pain. She struggles with guilt and fear, embodying the destructive power of denial.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Daughter, complicated relationship marked by neglect and unspoken pain.); Jackie Von Stratten (Daughter, struggles with Jackie's growing rebellion and truth-telling.)
Mr. Wilson
Supporting
Owner of the California ranch where Pattyn finds work.
Mr. Wilson is the wealthy but enigmatic owner of the ranch where Pattyn finds refuge. He provides her with work and a place to live, offering a haven away from her past. While not deeply involved in Pattyn's personal struggles, his ranch serves as a crucial setting for her journey of self-discovery and healing. He represents a benevolent, if distant, authority figure who offers an opportunity for a fresh start, embodying the potential for kindness and opportunity outside of Pattyn's oppressive former community.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Employer, offers a safe work environment.)
Ethan
Mentioned
Pattyn's deceased first love, a symbol of lost innocence and hope.
Ethan was Pattyn's first love, a non-Mormon boy from outside her community. Their forbidden relationship led to her pregnancy and eventual miscarriage, and his tragic death had a profound impact on Pattyn. He represents a brief period of happiness and freedom in her life, a glimpse of a different future. His memory continues to haunt Pattyn, fueling her grief and her desire to escape, but also inspiring her to seek a life beyond the confines of her past. Though deceased, his presence is felt throughout Pattyn's internal struggles.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Deceased first love, father of her lost child.)
Private Investigator
Antagonist
Hired to find Pattyn and bring her back to Redemption.
The private investigator is hired by Pattyn's mother, under pressure from the church, to track Pattyn down. He is relentless and morally ambiguous, representing the forces of the past trying to drag Pattyn back into her old life. His methods are intrusive and threatening, causing immense fear and anxiety for Pattyn. He serves as a direct antagonist, symbolizing the pervasive control and judgment that Pattyn is trying to escape, and forcing her to confront the consequences of her actions.
Relationships: Pattyn Von Stratten (Target of his investigation.)
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.
Smoke Quotes
“Sometimes you have to burn something to the ground to see what rises from the ashes.”
“The hardest part of saying goodbye is knowing you might never say hello again.”
“Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes it's messy and complicated, and you have to fight for it.”
“We all have secrets, the ones we keep, and the ones that keep us.”
“Sometimes the only way out is through the fire.”
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can make you believe in things that aren't real.”
“It's easy to judge someone until you've walked a mile in their ashes.”
“The past is like smoke; you can try to contain it, but it always finds a way to escape.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.”
“We are all just trying to find our way back home, even if we don't know where home is anymore.”
“Forgiveness isn't about forgetting; it's about letting go of the anger.”
“The truth has a way of burning through everything, eventually.”
“You can't outrun your demons. Eventually, you have to turn around and face them.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What significant event happens to Pattyn's father at the beginning of 'Smoke'?
- He is arrested for his abuse.
- He dies.
- He leaves the family.
- He is seriously injured in an accident.
Show answer
B. He dies. The synopsis explicitly states, 'Pattyn Von Stratten’s father is dead, and Pattyn is on the run.' This event sets the stage for Pattyn's journey.
Question 2
Who is the only person, besides Pattyn, who knows the truth about what happened on the night of her father's death?
- Her mother
- Her sister, Jackie
- A community leader
- Her beloved Ethan
Show answer
B. Her sister, Jackie The synopsis states, 'Only her sister Jackie knows what happened that fatal night.' This highlights Jackie's isolated position back home.
Question 3
Where does Pattyn go to start a new life after fleeing her home?
- A remote cabin in the mountains
- A bustling city on the East Coast
- A migrant worker on a California ranch
- Another religious community
Show answer
C. A migrant worker on a California ranch The text clearly states, 'Alone and in disguise, Pattyn starts a new life as a migrant worker on a California ranch.'
Question 4
What is the primary emotional state Pattyn is desperate for after her past experiences?
- Revenge
- Fame
- Peace
- Wealth
Show answer
C. Peace The synopsis mentions, 'Pattyn is desperate for peace' after years of abuse and loss.
Question 5
What specific losses does Pattyn suffer before the events of 'Smoke' that contribute to her despair?
- Her home and her entire family's wealth.
- Her beloved Ethan and their unborn child.
- Her reputation and her freedom.
- Her faith and her community.
Show answer
B. Her beloved Ethan and their unborn child. The text details, 'after the tragic loss of her beloved Ethan and their unborn child,' as key factors in her past trauma.
Question 6
How does Pattyn's mother and community leaders handle the truth about her father's death?
- They publicly announce the truth about the abuse.
- They seek justice for Pattyn.
- They allow the truth to be covered up to maintain normalcy.
- They blame Pattyn for his death.
Show answer
C. They allow the truth to be covered up to maintain normalcy. The synopsis explains that her mother 'clings to normalcy by allowing the truth to be covered up by their domineering community leaders.'
Question 7
What is the main challenge Pattyn faces in her new life, as posed by the author?
- Finding a new romantic partner.
- Earning enough money to survive.
- Rebuilding a life when everything known has burned to ash and lies seem safer than truth.
- Evading capture by the authorities.
Show answer
C. Rebuilding a life when everything known has burned to ash and lies seem safer than truth. The author asks, 'But is it even possible to rebuild a life when everything you’ve known has burned to ash and lies seem far safer than the truth?' directly stating her central challenge.
Question 8
The book 'Smoke' is described as a companion to which previous New York Times bestseller by Ellen Hopkins?
- Crank
- Impulse
- Burned
- Fallout
Show answer
C. Burned The description clearly states, 'in this riveting companion to New York Times bestseller Burned'.
Question 9
What does the phrase 'rise from the ashes' symbolize in the context of Pattyn's journey?
- Her literal escape from a burning building.
- Overcoming her traumatic past and building a new, hopeful future.
- Becoming a more aggressive and vengeful person.
- Joining a new community that literally worships fire.
Show answer
B. Overcoming her traumatic past and building a new, hopeful future. The phrase is used metaphorically in the synopsis: 'to explore what it takes to rise from the ashes, put ghosts to rest, and step into a future,' implying overcoming past destruction and finding hope.
Question 10
How does Jackie's situation change after Pattyn leaves, despite their father being gone?
- She finds new friends and support within her community.
- She becomes desperately isolated.
- She also runs away to find Pattyn.
- She takes on a leadership role in the family.
Show answer
B. She becomes desperately isolated. The synopsis highlights Jackie's continued suffering: 'Her father might be finally gone, but without Pattyn, Jackie is desperately isolated.'
Smoke FAQ
What is the central premise of 'Smoke' and how does it connect to the previous book, 'Burned'?
'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.
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.
About the author
Ellen Hopkins is an American author known for her young adult fiction, often exploring complex themes such as mental health, addiction, and family dynamics. Her notable works include "Impulse," "Identical," "Smoke," "Rumble," and "Burned," which are characterized by their poetic prose and emotional depth. Hopkins has gained recognition for her impactful storytelling and has a dedicated readership.
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