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annemaries_shelves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I can see what Edwidge Danticat is such a beloved writer because she's very talented.
For me though, I just didn't love this collection. I'm not sure if it was a case of right book, wrong time, so I'd be willing to read other books/collections by her.
In seven short stories, Danticat explored a lot of themes around immigration and the Haitian diaspora, family and its obligations and secrets, pregnancy and parenthood, the impact of trauma and violence, love, and more.
But overall, the stories were just ok and nothing that I particularly loved. Though I could tell they were well crafted with interested characters, voices, and self-contained plots. The Port-au-Prince Marriage Special and Seven Stories were probably the ones I liked most.
I am glad I've read another new-to-me Haitian author and sampled more writing, perspectives, and experiences of Haitian people and the diaspora.
For me though, I just didn't love this collection. I'm not sure if it was a case of right book, wrong time, so I'd be willing to read other books/collections by her.
In seven short stories, Danticat explored a lot of themes around immigration and the Haitian diaspora, family and its obligations and secrets, pregnancy and parenthood, the impact of trauma and violence, love, and more.
But overall, the stories were just ok and nothing that I particularly loved. Though I could tell they were well crafted with interested characters, voices, and self-contained plots. The Port-au-Prince Marriage Special and Seven Stories were probably the ones I liked most.
I am glad I've read another new-to-me Haitian author and sampled more writing, perspectives, and experiences of Haitian people and the diaspora.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Deportation, Mental illness, Animal death, Child death, Grief, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Rape
badmom's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Colonisation, Racial slurs, Deportation, and Xenophobia
Minor: Chronic illness, Trafficking, Abortion, Alcohol, and Death
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