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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
nadia's review against another edition
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.
Graphic: Grief, Death, Infidelity, and Mental illness
Moderate: Rape
bookishcori's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Terminal illness and Dementia
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
mmmmmm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
every single way a family could possibly break or be torn apart, all explored in such a beautifully nuanced and deeply personal way. loved loved loved it.
Graphic: Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Dementia
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