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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
teeclecticreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
These were all really great short stories filled with the harsh truth of life of immigration from Haiti to the United States. I think my favourites were Sunrise, Sunset and Seven Stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Vomit, Mental illness, Death, and Death of parent
nadia's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this collection and Danticat’s writing.
The last story, Without Inspection, is probably one of my favourite short stories ever! So beautifully written.
The last story, Without Inspection, is probably one of my favourite short stories ever! So beautifully written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Infidelity, and Mental illness
Moderate: Rape
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