bukolayemi 's review for:

Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

4.5

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

"I come from a place where breath, eyes, and memory are intertwined, a place where the past clings to you as naturally as the hair on your head."

Sophie Caco grows up in Haiti with her beloved Aunt Tante Atie, while her mother resides in New York. With no father and only a grandmother who lives far away, her world revolves around her aunt, whom she deeply cherishes.

At twelve, Sophie is abruptly sent to join her mother in New York—a decision she resists but cannot refuse. Once there, she uncovers the depth of her mother’s struggles, not just with making ends meet but also with haunting nightmares that seem to grow more intense with Sophie’s presence.

Can Sophie bring healing, or is her arrival only deepening her mother’s pain?

This novel explores a deeply layered mother-daughter bond, the lingering effects of trauma on mental health, and the realities of life in diaspora. It also offers a vivid portrayal of Haitian traditions and culture.

Danticat’s storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary—hard to believe this is her debut novel. I can’t wait to delve into more of her work.