Edwidge Danticat
Edwidge Danticat is a renowned Haitian-American writer known for her powerful and evocative works that often focus on the Haitian diaspora experience, the complexities of family relationships, and the richness of Haitian culture and history. Her notable works include 'Breath, Eyes, Memory,' her debut novel that explores the life of a young Haitian girl, and 'Krik? Krak!,' a collection of short stories. Danticat's writing has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Brother, I'm Dying
"Brother, I'm Dying" is a memoir that explores the author's life growing up in Haiti, her immigration to the United States, and the lives of her father and uncle. The story delves into her father's struggle with illness in America, her uncle's experience as a pastor in Haiti during political turmoil, and his subsequent death in U.S. immigration custody. The book serves as a poignant exploration of family, immigration, love, and loss.
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2. The Farming of Bones
"The Farming of Bones" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the 1937 massacre of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic. The story is told through the eyes of a young Haitian woman working as a servant for a wealthy Dominican family. As political tensions rise, the protagonist and her fellow Haitians face increasing hostility and violence, culminating in a mass slaughter. The novel explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the human capacity for cruelty and resilience.
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3. Breath, Eyes, Memory
The novel is a poignant story of a young Haitian girl's journey from her homeland to New York City. She is sent to live with her mother, whom she barely knows, at the age of twelve. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to understand her Haitian identity, her mother's traumatic past, and the cultural expectations placed upon her as a woman. It delves into themes of maternal relationships, female identity, sexual trauma, and the diasporic experience, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle to reconcile her past with her present.
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4. Krik? Krak!
This book is a collection of nine short stories that depict the lives of Haitians and Haitian Americans who are grappling with issues of identity, homeland, love, and family. The stories are connected through shared themes and recurring symbols, creating a powerful narrative about the Haitian experience. The book explores the brutal history of Haiti, the challenging reality of the present, and the uncertain future, providing a profound and poignant look at the resilience and strength of the Haitian people.
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5. Everything Inside: Stories
"Everything Inside: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories, each exploring the lives of various characters from the Haitian diaspora. The narratives delve into themes of love, loss, family, and community, often set against the backdrop of political unrest or natural disasters. The stories illuminate the complexities of human relationships, the struggle of immigrants, and the enduring spirit of the Haitian people.
