December 3, 2009Book of the Day: Breath, Eyes, Memory, by Edwidge Danticat
Grade: C+
First published: 1994
1-word review: Tested
8-word review: Women can be awfully mean to each other.
This book was written by a women named Edwidge. Why aren't more women named Edwidge?
Like the main character in this novel, Sophie Caco, Edwidge Danticat was born in Haiti and raised by an aunt and grandmother after her mother emigrated to the United States. Also like Sophie, she herself emigrated to the U.S. when she was twelve years old. Other than these facts, I don't know how much of this novel is autobiographical.
Here is a photo of Edwidge.
Here is a map of Haiti, a third-world country, sometimes called the "Idaho of the Caribbean."
And here's a photo of Reese Witherspoon, who has never lived in Haiti.
I won't spoil the story by going into too much detail, but Sophie comes to be damaged by her mother, who was herself damaged by her mother (and a young Haitian man). Sophie's aunt, Tante Atie, is also damaged by those close to her. So, everyone's a little screwed up, as is the country of Haiti, at the time suffering through decades of the Duvaliers' brutal dictatorship and the thuggery of the Tonton Macoutes, Haiti's infamous secret police.
Incidentally, I highly recommend a Graham Greene novel, The Comedians, which details the story of a British expat living in Haiti during Papa Doc's rule. His depictions of the Tonton Macoutes are truly frightening.
The book is frequently quite moving, but it feels a little unpolished, as if it could have used a good editor. It was its author's first novel, published when she was only 25, and it shows at times. I rarely say this about any book, but this one could have benefited from being a little longer. We just skip over most of Sophie's experience growing into adulthood in her mother's home.
All in all, I'd like to read more by Edwidge. Also, I like saying Edwidge.
Edwidge.
Hey man, I need you to read The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. I have to read it by January...so if you just read it and write about it on your blog one of these days I think that should count!
ReplyDeleteI can handle your criticism of Boise and Idaho because my fine state produces well-rounded, open-minded people in addition to potatoes. I also know that it is a misguided ploy to get another invitation from me to visit the Gem State to "prove" to you that you are wrong. You had your chance. You better just appreciate the precious time you already got to spend there, and hope for the day you can return.
ReplyDeleteJoe, I wouldn't want to deprive you of the joy of reading.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't ban me from Idaho, whatever you do! I still haven't visited its museum to its African-American.