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brittyreadsbooks's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
charleyroxy's review
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
"You see, madam, rumours in our country are a double-edged sword, a merciless weapon. They free you and condemn you. They cost you money. They can bring you happiness, but never for long. They make you vulnerable."
Savage Seasons by Kettly Mars and translated by Jeanine Herman is a glimpse of Haitian history, in the time of François Duvalier, through the personal experiences of Leroy family and their tormentor/"benefactor", the secretary of state. The story is told through the journal entries of Daniel Leroy, his wife Nirvah Leroy, and secretary of state Raoul Vincent. Daniel is imprisoned in Fort Dimanche, Nirvah is a mother trying to find a way to free him and keep her kids safe, and Raoul is a lecherous snake who immediately desires Nirvah and insinuates himself completely in her life and family. The prose is very direct and shows how little each character actually understands about the the thoughts and feelings of the others. Also notable are the children, Marie and Nicholas Leroy, and Solange, their vodou practicing neighbour. I have not read such a stomach turning character in recent memory as Raoul and I hope not to again for a long time. Kettly Mars is a talent and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Savage Seasons by Kettly Mars and translated by Jeanine Herman is a glimpse of Haitian history, in the time of François Duvalier, through the personal experiences of Leroy family and their tormentor/"benefactor", the secretary of state. The story is told through the journal entries of Daniel Leroy, his wife Nirvah Leroy, and secretary of state Raoul Vincent. Daniel is imprisoned in Fort Dimanche, Nirvah is a mother trying to find a way to free him and keep her kids safe, and Raoul is a lecherous snake who immediately desires Nirvah and insinuates himself completely in her life and family. The prose is very direct and shows how little each character actually understands about the the thoughts and feelings of the others. Also notable are the children, Marie and Nicholas Leroy, and Solange, their vodou practicing neighbour. I have not read such a stomach turning character in recent memory as Raoul and I hope not to again for a long time. Kettly Mars is a talent and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Rape, and Torture
Moderate: Abortion
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