Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

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.

The 2820th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 192

Since this book was first published in 1994, there is a penalty of 32.0%. The age adjusted score is 130.56.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.