Chapter 1 Summary

The Tree of Red Stars takes place in Montevideo, Uruguay which was named in the1520s when a Portuguese sailor cried, "Monte vide eu," "I see a hill." Montevideo now has spread out along the riverbanks and the only people remaining at the Cerro, an old neighborhood at the base of the tallest hill, are the poor and the soldiers who protect the city.

Magdalena is a small girl who tells the story in a first person narrative. She views her barrio, or neighborhood, from a window masked by a poinsettia tree at her parent's house. Magdalena is a very observant little girl and is always curious about the happenings in the village. Her best friend, Emilia, is also very curious. Magdalena notices that she is very smart and sensitive about human nature. Magdalena admires this in her friend.

As the story opens...