Relevant Reads for Progressives

Non-Fiction:  

Title: A Haiti Anthology: Libete | Author: Charles Arthur and Michael Dash | Publication Date: Markus Weiner Publishers, 8/10/09

     This is a book of contributions from anthropologists, historians, novelists and other Haitian writers about historic and contemporary aspects of Haitian life. As such it is a great introduction to Haiti—the land, the people and its culture. Among the contributions are previously unpublished works translated directly from the Creole language.  Among the more well-known authors are are Edwidge Danticat and Jacques Roumaine. The chapters are arranged thematically. 

Fiction:

Title: Breath, Eyes, Memory  | Author: Edwidge Danticat | Publication Date: Soho Press, 2/24/15

     At the time of its publication two decades ago, Danticat’s debut novel was considered groundbreaking. It is now regarded as a classic. 

     The story revolves around a 12-year-old Haitian girl named Sophie who is sent from her impoverished village to New York to reunite with the mother she barely remembers. There she encounters trauma so devastating that she is sent back to the relative safety of the women who raised her in Haiti.

     But as political violence erupts, Sophie and the women around her must find a way to survive. Through Danticat’s evocative narrative, the terror and heartache of Haiti is palpable. But the strength and resilience of its women also shines through via this female novelist.