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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.
Graphic: Death, Deportation, Mental illness, Animal death, Child death, Grief, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Rape
alyssamakesart's review
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.75
Overall I enjoyed it. Some stories hit more than others. The best ones for me were the shorter ones though Sunrise, Sunset was on the longer side and was one of my favorites.
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Death of parent, Body shaming, Death, Trafficking, and Racism
Minor: Child death and Miscarriage
seawarrior's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
This collection of short stories holds a diverse range of narratives where the characters are united in their origination from Haiti, but not much else. Their stories are moving, terrifying, heart-wrenching and continuously honest and thoughtful. Within the book, Danticat explored the innermost feelings and most significant experiences of people from all ages and walks of life. I was never sure what to expect when a new story began, but upon its conclusion I felt one world after another had been pried open for me to glance inside and reflect upon without judgement. I appreciated that most of these characters were flawed but written realistically as people trying to survive a world that presents us with infinite imperfect options. I look forward to reading more from Danticat, and would encourage others to explore her storytelling too.
Moderate: Alcohol, Colonisation, Death, Infidelity, Child death, Kidnapping, Xenophobia, Classism, Dementia, Grief, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
emilyharmonica's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Rape, Child death, and Xenophobia
lauconn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Child death and Dementia
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Miscarriage
Minor: Infidelity
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