readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
Immediately prioritized this book by a Haitian-American writer after reading about the "shithole countries" comment, and I'm so glad I did. There's so much going on artistically, it leaves you in awe even as it breaks your heart.
Sophie grows up in Haiti with her aunt until age 12, when she is sent to New York City to live with her mother. It would be hard enough to live between two places, never having a true sense of home, but Sophie’s life is further shadowed by the painful knowledge of why her mother couldn’t raise her (which I won’t spoil here). Danticat explores how the legacy of violence and hurt are inherited by each new generation, and the herculean effort of will required to break those patterns.
Even though thematically this is a tough book to read, the prose is spare and the pages fly. I never could decide if I wanted to speed up so the pain would be over, or if I wanted to slow down and let myself feel the impact. This is the kind of book you could read over and over and still not catch everything Danticat is doing, but I don’t think my heart could handle multiple close readings.
At the back of my paperback copy, the publisher includes a note from Danticat addressed to her character, Sophie, in which she says she feels compelled to explain that not all children growing up in Haiti suffer exactly like Sophie does. Apparently some readers of the book have not understood that one character’s experiences from one fictional work cannot be generalized over the actual human population of an entire country. It created uncomfortable resonance when, after reading her eloquent response to the “shithole” comment, it occurred to me that Danticat is still, all these years later, having to explain herself to an audience of ignorants.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
Sophie grows up in Haiti with her aunt until age 12, when she is sent to New York City to live with her mother. It would be hard enough to live between two places, never having a true sense of home, but Sophie’s life is further shadowed by the painful knowledge of why her mother couldn’t raise her (which I won’t spoil here). Danticat explores how the legacy of violence and hurt are inherited by each new generation, and the herculean effort of will required to break those patterns.
Even though thematically this is a tough book to read, the prose is spare and the pages fly. I never could decide if I wanted to speed up so the pain would be over, or if I wanted to slow down and let myself feel the impact. This is the kind of book you could read over and over and still not catch everything Danticat is doing, but I don’t think my heart could handle multiple close readings.
At the back of my paperback copy, the publisher includes a note from Danticat addressed to her character, Sophie, in which she says she feels compelled to explain that not all children growing up in Haiti suffer exactly like Sophie does. Apparently some readers of the book have not understood that one character’s experiences from one fictional work cannot be generalized over the actual human population of an entire country. It created uncomfortable resonance when, after reading her eloquent response to the “shithole” comment, it occurred to me that Danticat is still, all these years later, having to explain herself to an audience of ignorants.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
livfrew2's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bwluvs2read's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mollzpages's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
tamara_mousa's review against another edition
5.0
In Breath, Eyes, Memory, Edwidge Danticat describes the life of Haitians in the second half of 1900, during the presence of the terrorist group Macoutes that was formed by Dictator Duvalier. It is the story of Sophie (who was the result of rape when her mom was a teenager), her childhood in Haiti and life in NY with her mom, who couldn’t escape her rape-trauma syndrome. The tale also highlighted the racism that Haitians were subjected to in the US, the role of the US in controlling Haiti's finances after invading it in 1915, since they imposed forced labor that caused Haitians to become slaves to the US, which resulted in the death of thousands in 1920s.
A summary is available on my blog: www.tamarayousefmousa.com/
A summary is available on my blog: www.tamarayousefmousa.com/
anngiebc's review against another edition
5.0
Another AMAZING novel from Danticat!!!! For her first one it's not boring at all... It was such a moving and encapsulating experiencing reading Sophie's story. I love how she included multiple generations of Haitian women which definitely allows for the audience to see different perspectives on beliefs and trauma throught their lives. It also depicts the struggles that black women face specifically which is such an important conversation, but it definitely does focus more on Haitian culture and beliefs when it comes to these women's stories and perceptions. I cried so... that means you should read it!!!!!!
miaelizabeth13's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
blankcrayon's review against another edition
3.0
This book was OK, I would give it a 2.5 if possible. The story was mildly interesting, but I did not identify or become emotionally involved with any of the characters. It did not "draw me in", but was good for an easy Saturday afternoon read.
lostcupofstars's review against another edition
4.0
This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. A simple story that carries so much depth.
A touching exploration of generational trauma, the violence of men and the pressures of being a mother.
This is a book I definitely recommend (please check the trigger warnings beforehand!)
A touching exploration of generational trauma, the violence of men and the pressures of being a mother.
This is a book I definitely recommend (please check the trigger warnings beforehand!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Rape and Abortion
rachel_the_managing_editor's review against another edition
My second time reading this. First for school, now for work. This is probably one of the most beautiful books we at Soho have published. And yes, a heavy one, too, but heavy with its head held high.