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The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien, book cover

The Syringa Tree Summary

by Pamela Gien

3.77 Goodreads · 493 ratingsHistorical Fiction262 pages14-min summary

In apartheid South Africa, a young girl's bond with her nanny turns into a dangerous secret that challenges their divided world.

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Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Set in apartheid South Africa, "The Syringa Tree" follows young Elizabeth Grace, a privileged white girl, and her deep, complicated bond with her Xhosa nanny, Salamina. As Lizzie grows up, she becomes increasingly aware of the brutal injustices and racial segregation that define her country. Her family, while seemingly upholding the status quo, harbors secrets, including the protection of Salamina's hidden newborn child, a dangerous act under the strict pass laws. The novel explores Lizzie's coming-of-age amidst the rising tide of social and political unrest in the 1960s. As the nation's tensions escalate and eventually explode into violence, Lizzie's world is irrevocably altered, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of her homeland and the profound personal cost of a sundered nation.
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartrending, poignant, hopeful, reflective, inspiring

The Syringa Tree Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. A Lucky Fish in Johannesburg

    Elizabeth Grace, a six-year-old white girl in suburban Johannesburg, enjoys a happy childhood, calling herself a 'lucky fish.' She finds comfort in a syringa tree in her backyard and shares a close bond with her Xhosa nanny, Salamina. Lizzie's mother is sad, and her father, a doctor, struggles with apartheid's segregation in his work. The outside world has strict pass laws and curfews, creating tension and unfairness, which Lizzie starts to notice. Her home, however, holds its own secrets and unwritten rules, hinting at a hidden world beneath their privileged life.

  2. Salamina's Secret

    Lizzie's bond with Salamina grows stronger, and she soon learns a secret: Salamina has a newborn baby, Nono, hidden in their home. Because of the harsh pass laws and curfews, Nono's presence is illegal and very dangerous. Lizzie must protect this secret, understanding, even at her young age, the severe consequences if Nono's existence were known outside their walls. This hidden arrangement creates a strong, unspoken alliance between Lizzie and Salamina, binding them closer and showing Lizzie the harsh impact of apartheid on families.

  3. The Growing Unrest

    As Lizzie gets older, social and racial unrest in the 1960s increases. Apartheid's 'orderly state' begins to weaken as the desire for change and resistance grows. Midnight gatherings and secret dealings happen more often in Lizzie's home, showing her family's quiet involvement or support for the anti-apartheid movement. Lizzie's awareness of the injustice sharpens as she sees the daily indignities and fears faced by the black community, including Salamina and her family. The country's tension builds, hinting at a coming conflict between the oppressed and the ruling power.

  4. Sophiatown and the Forced Removals

    Lizzie understands apartheid's cruelty better when she sees the forced removal of residents from Sophiatown, a black township. The government's 'urban clear-out' policy leads to homes and communities being bulldozed, displacing thousands. This event is a clear and painful example of the regime's power and its disregard for human lives and culture. Lizzie sees the devastation and suffering inflicted on people like Salamina, reinforcing the urgency and danger of their shared secret and her growing disappointment with the 'lucky fish' life she once knew. This experience ends her innocence.

  5. The Sharpeville Massacre

    The Sharpeville Massacre is a turning point, destroying any remaining idea of peace or stability. Lizzie learns of the horrible event where police shot unarmed black protestors, killing and injuring many. This act of state violence shocks the nation and deeply affects Lizzie, who struggles with the brutality and injustice. The massacre fuels greater unrest and solidifies her understanding of the systemic oppression. It also increases the fear and secrecy in her home, as the risks for Salamina and Nono become even higher in the increasingly dangerous political climate.

  6. Salamina's Disappearance

    One day, Salamina is arrested, likely for breaking pass laws or being involved in resistance. Her sudden disappearance deeply hurts Lizzie, who is heartbroken and scared. Her beloved nanny's absence leaves a void in her life and highlights the constant threat black individuals lived under. Nono, Salamina's baby, is now even more vulnerable, and Lizzie feels a desperate need to protect her, increasing the burden of their shared secret. This event shows the personal cost of apartheid and the deep emotional ties that cross racial lines.

  7. Life Without Salamina

    After Salamina's arrest, Lizzie struggles greatly. Her world feels changed, and she misses her nanny terribly. The responsibility of keeping Nono's existence a secret becomes an even heavier burden, constantly reminding her of Salamina's trouble and the constant injustice. Lizzie observes her parents' quiet efforts to help Salamina, but the legal and political barriers are huge. Her childhood innocence continues to fade as she faces the harsh realities of separation and the helplessness of even well-meaning white families against the state's power. The syringa tree, once a comfort, now represents lost innocence.

  8. A Glimmer of Hope and Reunion

    After a time of agonizing uncertainty, Salamina is released from prison, to Lizzie's great relief and joy. Their reunion, though perhaps brief and still dangerous, offers a bit of hope and comfort. However, imprisonment has changed Salamina, and the reunion is marked by the trauma she endured. This period shows the strength of their bond and the human spirit in the face of oppression, but it also reminds them that their lives, and the lives of countless others, remain uncertain under apartheid.

  9. The Family's Departure

    As South Africa's political situation worsens, with more violence and instability, Lizzie's parents decide to leave the country. They can no longer raise their family in such an unstable and unfair environment. This decision means a painful separation for Lizzie from Salamina and Nono, a separation that feels like a betrayal of their bond and shared secret. Their departure means the end of Lizzie's childhood in South Africa and the permanent cutting of direct ties with the people she loves most, showing apartheid's destructive reach.

  10. Life Abroad and Lingering Memories

    Lizzie's family moves, and she starts a new life in a different country. While she adjusts to her new surroundings, memories of South Africa, especially her bond with Salamina and the injustices she saw, stay with her. The syringa tree, Nono, and the constant fear become symbols of a past that continues to shape her identity. She carries the weight of her experiences, understanding apartheid's impact on her and on the people she left behind. This period marks her transition from a child dealing with injustice to a young woman forever marked by her South African origins.

  11. The Call to Return

    Years pass, and Lizzie becomes an adult, but South Africa remains a part of her. She receives an urgent message or plea that calls her back home. The message's specifics are not immediately clear, but it is strong enough to draw her across continents, indicating that her childhood ties still hold great power. This return means facing her past and apartheid's lingering effects, promising a resolution or further understanding of the lives of those she left behind, especially Salamina and Nono.

  12. Reunion and Reckoning

    Upon her return, Lizzie finally reunites with Salamina. This reunion is emotional and complex, filled with the joy of seeing each other again but also the weight of their shared history and years of separation. Lizzie learns about Salamina's life and the fate of Nono and other family members under apartheid's continuing oppression. The reunion allows for a reckoning with the past, for Lizzie to understand the full impact of her family's departure and the ongoing struggles of those who remained. It is a moment of deep emotional release and shows their lasting love and connection.

  13. Nono's Story

    During her reunion with Salamina, Lizzie finally learns Nono's complete and often tragic life story. This revelation shows the full extent of the sacrifices and suffering endured by Salamina and her family due to apartheid. Nono's fate, shaped by a segregated society's harsh realities, highlights the deep and often devastating consequences of the regime on individual lives. This moment is a powerful and heartbreaking end to the secret Lizzie helped protect as a child, revealing the deep scars left by a system designed to oppress and divide.

  14. Healing and Reconciliation

    Through her reunion with Salamina and understanding Nono's story, Lizzie begins to heal and reconcile, both for herself and, symbolically, for her divided nation. She comes to terms with her past, her privilege, and the lasting love that crossed racial barriers. The novel ends with Lizzie finding a way to honor Salamina's legacy and Nono's memory, perhaps through advocacy or by simply telling their stories. This journey gives her a deeper, more nuanced understanding of her homeland's complex history and her place within it, offering a sense of peace and purpose.

Principal Figures

Elizabeth Grace (Lizzie)

Protagonist

A white South African girl who matures amidst apartheid's harsh realities.

Lizzie begins as a 'lucky fish,' a privileged six-year-old white girl in Johannesburg, sheltered yet observant. Her deep, elemental bond with her Xhosa nanny, Salamina, opens her eyes to the injustices of apartheid. She is inquisitive, empathetic, and carries the secret of Salamina's baby, Nono, a burden that shapes her childhood. As she grows, she grapples with her family's departure and the lingering guilt and love for her homeland and its people. Her innocence is gradually eroded by the violence and systemic racism she witnesses.

Relationships: Salamina (Nanny and surrogate mother figure, profound love and loyalty); Lizzie's Mother (Biological mother, complicated by mother's melancholy); Lizzie's Father (Biological father, source of security but also the face of medical segregation); Nono (Salamina's secret baby, Lizzie's protected charge)

Salamina

Supporting

Lizzie's Xhosa nanny, embodying resilience and sacrifice under apartheid.

Salamina is Lizzie's beloved Xhosa nanny, a figure of immense love, wisdom, and resilience. Her bond with Lizzie transcends racial and social barriers, forming the emotional core of the novel. Under apartheid, she lives a precarious existence, forced to hide her own baby, Nono, to remain employed and safe. She endures the daily indignities and dangers of the regime, including arrest, yet maintains her dignity and fierce love for her family and Lizzie. She represents the strength and suffering of the black community in South Africa.

Relationships: Elizabeth Grace (Nanny and surrogate mother figure, profound love and loyalty); Nono (Biological daughter, hidden to protect her); Lizzie's Parents (Employers, complex relationship marked by dependence and quiet support)

Nono

Supporting

Salamina's hidden baby, a symbol of apartheid's cruelty.

Nono is Salamina's infant daughter, whose very existence in a white household is illegal under apartheid laws. She is a silent, vulnerable character, primarily seen through Lizzie's eyes as a secret to be protected. Nono symbolizes the personal and systemic cruelty of apartheid, which denied black families the right to live together and forced mothers to make impossible choices. Her fate later in the story serves as a tragic representation of the long-lasting devastation wrought by the regime on innocent lives and future generations.

Relationships: Salamina (Biological mother, protected at all costs); Elizabeth Grace (Protected by Lizzie, a shared secret)

Lizzie's Mother

Supporting

A melancholic woman struggling with her own demons and societal pressures.

Lizzie's mother is a complex character suffering from a 'creeping melancholy,' which often isolates her. While she benefits from the privileges of apartheid, she is not entirely blind to its injustices and shows quiet concern for Salamina. Her emotional state makes her somewhat detached, yet she participates in the clandestine activities within the home, indicating a hidden moral compass. Her struggles highlight the internal complexities and silent suffering within some white families in apartheid South Africa.

Relationships: Elizabeth Grace (Biological mother, somewhat distant due to her melancholy); Lizzie's Father (Husband, source of support); Salamina (Housekeeper, a relationship of dependence and underlying concern)

Lizzie's Father

Supporting

A doctor navigating a segregated medical system with quiet integrity.

Lizzie's father is a doctor whose medical practice is segregated by law, forcing him to confront the daily realities of apartheid. He is a man of quiet integrity, committed to his profession despite the systemic limitations. He is the family's anchor, providing stability and security. While not overtly rebellious, his actions, such as allowing Salamina to hide Nono, suggest a moral opposition to the regime. He represents the white individuals who, while benefiting from the system, harbored quiet dissent and sought to mitigate its harm.

Relationships: Elizabeth Grace (Biological father, loving and protective); Lizzie's Mother (Husband, supportive); Salamina (Employer, provides quiet support and protection)

The Narrator (Adult Lizzie)

Protagonist

The older, reflective voice recounting her childhood experiences.

The story is primarily told through the retrospective voice of an adult Lizzie, looking back on her childhood in apartheid South Africa. This narrative perspective provides a layer of maturity, reflection, and deeper understanding of the events and emotions. The narrator's voice is lyrical and poignant, imbued with the wisdom of hindsight and the lingering pain of past injustices. She acts as a guide, interpreting the complexities of her experiences and the profound impact they had on her and her understanding of her homeland.

Themes & Insights

Innocence Lost

The novel shows Lizzie's childhood innocence slowly fading as she sees apartheid's brutal realities. What starts as a happy life for a 'lucky fish' is progressively broken by the discovery of Salamina's secret baby, the forced removals from Sophiatown, and the violence of Sharpeville. Lizzie's growing awareness of injustice, fear, and human suffering forces her to face the harsh truths of her society, permanently changing how she sees the world and herself.

“Even at the age of six, lively, inquisitive Elizabeth Grace senses she’s a child of privilege, 'a lucky fish.'”
Narrator

The Power of Love and Connection Across Divides

At the novel's core is the deep love between Lizzie and her Xhosa nanny, Salamina. This strong devotion crosses the racial and social barriers apartheid created, showing how humans can connect despite systemic oppression. Their bond, made complex by societal rules and personal sacrifices, is a symbol of hope and shows that love can grow even in the most hostile environments, offering comfort and strength to both characters.

“Deeper and more elemental than any traditional friendship, their fierce devotion to each other is charged and complicated by Lizzie’s mother...”
Narrator

The Trauma and Legacy of Apartheid

The novel clearly explores apartheid's widespread trauma and lasting impact, not only for those directly oppressed but also for those who witnessed or were involved in the system. From forced removals and massacres to daily indignities and the need to hide a child, the story shows how apartheid broke families, instilled fear, and left deep emotional scars. Lizzie's adult journey back to South Africa shows that apartheid's wounds continue to affect individuals and the nation long after its official end.

“Pass laws requiring blacks to carry permission papers for white areas and stringent curfews have briefly created an orderly state–but an anxious one.”
Narrator

Secrets and Silence

Secrets and silence are repeated ideas throughout the novel, reflecting apartheid's oppressive atmosphere. Salamina's hidden baby, Nono, is the main secret, requiring Lizzie's involvement and silence, and showing the dangers of revealing truth in a repressive state. The 'hushed midnight gatherings' and 'clandestine transactions' in Lizzie's home further emphasize a culture of unspoken disagreement. This theme shows how silence was both a tool of oppression and a necessary way to survive, creating an anxious and emotionally tense environment.

“...the girl’s special task of protecting Salamina’s newborn child–a secret that, because of the new rules, must never be mentioned outside the walls of the house.”
Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

First-Person Retrospection

Lizzie recounts her childhood from an adult perspective.

The novel is narrated by an adult Lizzie looking back on her childhood experiences in apartheid South Africa. This allows for a dual perspective: the immediate, often naive understanding of the child and the reflective, more profound insights of the adult. This device imbues the narrative with a sense of poignant nostalgia, emotional depth, and a clearer understanding of the historical context and long-term impact of events, enhancing the tragic and redemptive qualities of the story.

The Syringa Tree

A symbolic setting for childhood innocence and hidden truths.

The syringa tree in Lizzie's backyard serves as a powerful symbol. Initially, it represents a place of refuge, comfort, and childhood innocence for Lizzie, a 'sheltering arms.' As the story progresses and the harsh realities of apartheid unfold, the tree subtly transforms. It becomes a silent witness to the family's secrets and the growing unrest, eventually symbolizing the lost innocence and the enduring, yet hidden, beauty and resilience of South Africa itself, even amidst turmoil.

The Secret Child (Nono)

A central plot point highlighting apartheid's human cost.

Salamina's hidden baby, Nono, functions as a critical plot device. Her existence is illegal and dangerous, driving much of the suspense and emotional tension in the first half of the novel. Nono's secret forces Lizzie into a complicit role, deepening her understanding of apartheid's cruelty and fostering an unbreakable bond with Salamina. Nono's ultimate fate also serves as a potent symbol of the devastating human cost of the regime, illustrating how systemic injustice directly impacts the most vulnerable lives.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the primary setting of "The Syringa Tree"?

    1. London, England
    2. Johannesburg, South Africa
    3. New York City, USA
    4. Cape Town, South Africa
    Show answer

    B. Johannesburg, South Africa The novel is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, against the backdrop of apartheid.

  2. Question 2

    Who is Lizzie Grace's closest ally and greatest love?

    1. Her mother
    2. Her father
    3. Her nanny, Salamina
    4. Her teacher
    Show answer

    C. Her nanny, Salamina Lizzie's Xhosa nanny, Salamina, is described as her closest ally and greatest love.

  3. Question 3

    What historical period does "The Syringa Tree" depict?

    1. World War II
    2. The Cold War
    3. The era of apartheid in South Africa
    4. The post-apartheid era
    Show answer

    C. The era of apartheid in South Africa The novel is set during the social and racial upheavals of the 1960s in South Africa, which was the era of apartheid.

  4. Question 4

    What is the significance of the syringa tree in the story?

    1. It is a place where forbidden political meetings are held.
    2. It is a symbol of hope and sanctuary for Lizzie.
    3. It is a source of income for Lizzie's family.
    4. It is where the secret of Salamina's child is revealed.
    Show answer

    B. It is a symbol of hope and sanctuary for Lizzie. The syringa tree is described as sheltering Lizzie and is a place she retreats to, symbolizing sanctuary and comfort.

  5. Question 5

    What is Lizzie's mother suffering from?

    1. Physical illness
    2. Depression or melancholy
    3. Amnesia
    4. Anxiety about the political situation
    Show answer

    B. Depression or melancholy The text mentions Lizzie's mother suffers from 'creeping melancholy'.

  6. Question 6

    What is Lizzie's special task related to Salamina's child?

    1. To help hide the child from authorities
    2. To take care of the child when Salamina is working
    3. To teach the child about their heritage
    4. To deliver messages for the child's father
    Show answer

    A. To help hide the child from authorities Lizzie's task is to protect Salamina's newborn child, which is a secret that must be kept due to the 'new rules' (apartheid laws).

  7. Question 7

    The novel mentions that Lizzie's father's medical practice is segregated by law. What does this imply?

    1. He only treats patients from wealthy families.
    2. He has separate waiting rooms and facilities for black and white patients.
    3. He refuses to treat certain racial groups.
    4. His practice is located in a segregated neighborhood.
    Show answer

    B. He has separate waiting rooms and facilities for black and white patients. Segregation by law during apartheid meant separate facilities and treatment based on race.

  8. Question 8

    What kind of laws are mentioned as requiring black people to carry permission papers for white areas and imposing stringent curfews?

    1. Health and safety regulations
    2. Immigration laws
    3. Pass laws
    4. Labor laws
    Show answer

    C. Pass laws The text explicitly mentions 'Pass laws requiring blacks to carry permission papers for white areas and stringent curfews', which were a key part of apartheid legislation.

  9. Question 9

    What does the phrase "a lucky fish" suggest about Lizzie's early perception of herself?

    1. She feels unlucky and isolated.
    2. She feels fortunate and privileged.
    3. She believes she has a special destiny.
    4. She feels like an outsider in her own family.
    Show answer

    B. She feels fortunate and privileged. The phrase 'a lucky fish' is used by Lizzie to describe her sense of privilege, indicating she feels fortunate and that things come easily to her.

  10. Question 10

    The novel was originally a play that opened off-Broadway in 2001. What does this suggest about the work's potential impact and themes?

    1. It was primarily intended for a niche theatrical audience.
    2. Its themes of injustice and redemption resonated widely, making it suitable for adaptation.
    3. It was a commercial venture with little artistic merit.
    4. Its historical accuracy was questioned by critics.
    Show answer

    B. Its themes of injustice and redemption resonated widely, making it suitable for adaptation. The fact that the play was well-received off-Broadway and won awards, and that the novel is described as having 'lyricism, passion, and life-affirming redemption,' suggests its powerful themes of injustice, hope, and healing had a broad impact.

The Syringa Tree FAQ

What is 'The Syringa Tree' about?

'The Syringa Tree' is a historical fiction novel set in South Africa during apartheid. It tells the story of a young white girl, Elizabeth Grace, and her deep connection with her black nanny, Salamina, exploring themes of racism, love, family, and the social injustices of the time.

What historical period does 'The Syringa Tree' cover?

The novel is set against the backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, specifically focusing on the social and racial upheavals of the 1960s.

Who are the main characters in 'The Syringa Tree'?

The central characters are Elizabeth Grace, a young, inquisitive girl, and Salamina, her devoted Xhosa nanny. The story also touches upon Lizzie's family and their experiences within the segregated society.

What is the significance of the syringa tree in the novel?

The syringa tree serves as a symbolic refuge and a place of comfort for Elizabeth Grace, particularly in its lilac blooms. It represents a sanctuary from the harsh realities of apartheid and a connection point between Lizzie and Salamina.

What themes are explored in 'The Syringa Tree'?

The novel explores themes of racism, love across racial divides, childhood innocence confronting adult realities, family bonds, injustice, violence, and the possibility of redemption and healing within a divided nation.

Is 'The Syringa Tree' based on a true story?

While the novel is a work of fiction, it is deeply informed by the author Pamela Gien's personal experiences and observations of life in South Africa under apartheid. The story draws on the emotional truths of that era.

What is the relationship between Elizabeth Grace and Salamina?

Elizabeth Grace and Salamina share a profound and complex bond that transcends the racial segregation of their society. Their relationship is depicted as one of fierce devotion, love, and mutual reliance, deeper than a typical friendship.

What is the role of apartheid in the novel?

Apartheid is the oppressive political system that dictates the lives of all characters in the novel. It creates the racial segregation, injustice, and violence that Elizabeth Grace witnesses and must navigate as her understanding of the world grows.

How does the novel portray the impact of apartheid on children?

The novel shows how children, like Elizabeth Grace, are exposed to the harsh realities of apartheid, even if indirectly. It highlights their developing awareness of injustice and their attempts to make sense of a world shaped by prejudice and fear.

Is 'The Syringa Tree' a novel or a play?

'The Syringa Tree' was originally a critically acclaimed play by Pamela Gien. This is the novelization of that story, which expands upon the narrative and gives a more personal voice to the characters and events.

About the author

Pamela Gien

Pamela Gien is a writer known for her work in fiction. Her notable book, The Syringa Tree, explores themes of family and identity against the backdrop of South Africa's political landscape. Gien's writing often reflects her experiences and insights into cultural and social issues.

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