Scan barcode
tamgperkins's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, sad story. She always has a wonderful way of brining her family to life in her books. You also get a good picture of the history of Haiti and why it is in such financial and political turmoil today.
dhee_reads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
theween's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Danticat’s writing is always beautiful and this memoir is no exception. She expertly weaves the stories of her father and uncle against the backdrop of the violent history of Haiti. Her uncle’s final arrival in America left me angry and in tears. It’s a must read for people to understand the humanity behind those who immigrate to America.
lgrimley's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
2.0
Sheds light on immigration issues but not emotionally gripping at all.
bookedupandbusy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Set between Haiti and America, this is the true story of Edwidge Danticat and her family's struggles with immigration and the heartbreaking circumstances that lead to her uncle's death and her father's declining health.
Edwidge takes us on a journey from her childhood in Haiti, watching her parents leave for America whilst both her and her brother stayed with their uncle, wondering if they would see their parents again, to marriage, motherhood and her journey on grief. The writing is flawless and the father-daughter theme is prevalent.
This is an Autobiography but it reads like a fictional story. It’s a deeply moving story based on love and health and it really made me appreciate the privileges of great healthcare system.
This is the third Haitian book I’ve read in the last year, but it’s this book that educated me on how Haiti is governed and the gangs and political unrest ruling the country. An eye opener!!!
Edwidge’s family grew up in the church and her father and uncle were rooted in faith throughout their illnesses. Her uncle was a pastor and in late 2004, there are some distressing scenes involving their church and the way they navigated this was miraculous!
This book is outstanding and up there with my top 5 Memoirs/Autobiographies. The title says it all, it’s very sad and distressing but also memorable and poignant.
dinahrachel's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Now want to reread all her other books
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Edwidge Danticat was born in Haiti, raised by her parents and then her aunt and uncle until she was a preteen and then she moved to the U.S to be reunited with her parents and two new brothers in New York. It is a lovely memoir with special focus on her father and uncle. Another reminder that there is room for improvement in our immigration process.