Reviews
Haiti: The Tumultuous History - From Pearl of the Caribbean to Broken Nation by Philippe Girard
rosedee1995's review against another edition
2.0
Though I do appreciate the historical information and timeline, I am NOT a fan of the author’s constant condescending tone.
evamaria's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, my poor Ayiti Cheri - reading this comprehensive history of the nation, from its colonial past to its struggling present, made me want to cry several times. Girard explained many things I noticed during my two months volunteering and manages to do so very honestly but also with great affection and respect for Haiti's people.
When I try to tell people why Haiti is in such a bad state, that it's not as simple as saying "Slavery/Western imperialism/US interference did it", I always say that everything that can go wrong, usually does, and that it's mainly caused by the rich elite not caring one bit about the poor majority but only about their own power and money.
Despite all this, Girard has hopes for Haiti's future, that it will regain its status as "Pearl of the Caribbean" - I sincerely hope so, too!
When I try to tell people why Haiti is in such a bad state, that it's not as simple as saying "Slavery/Western imperialism/US interference did it", I always say that everything that can go wrong, usually does, and that it's mainly caused by the rich elite not caring one bit about the poor majority but only about their own power and money.
Despite all this, Girard has hopes for Haiti's future, that it will regain its status as "Pearl of the Caribbean" - I sincerely hope so, too!
gretchen3's review
3.0
I wanted a book more about the slave uprising, and this was not it, thus I was a bit disappointed. The author's voice at times was accusative and paternal towards the history and people of Haiti, which sometimes came off a bit off taste.
I did learn a lot, however.
I did learn a lot, however.
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