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A review by 2treads
Love, Anger, Madness: A Haitian Trilogy by Marie Vieux-Chauvet
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In this triptych we are shown through different families and individuals some of the ways in which we can love: secretly, longingly, covetously, desperately, and futilely; how anger can shape and drive our actions in reckless and ambitious ways in an attempt to maintain status and control of one's life and fate; the many ways in which madness can skew our very interactions with reality and the phantasms of our minds. But what is clear is that the socio-political upheaval and violence is at the heart of the struggles and response of these characters.
I was completely immersed in how Vieux-Chauvet used dialogue, conversations, descriptive scenes, and a play-like conversant structure to build each story within her triptych. It had me questioning the veracity of every character and their motives. I love any novel that makes me wary of main characters, while keeping me enamored of the story they tell.
Vieux-Chauvet explores the nature of identity here against the backdrop of a nation in political and social upheaval where strongmen rise to power and fear and violence become rhe rule of law. Where corruption and betrayal become commonplace and cause the rifts between the social classes and families.
The pen of Haitian authors has always been used to show the beauty and desperation of their people, the richness of their rituals and culture, the changing landscape forged by covetous leaders and entitled occupiers. Their literature speaks to resilience in the face of deforestation and resource plunder, natural and man-made disasters that increase the people's vulnerability, while still communicating a core fortitude.
I was completely immersed in how Vieux-Chauvet used dialogue, conversations, descriptive scenes, and a play-like conversant structure to build each story within her triptych. It had me questioning the veracity of every character and their motives. I love any novel that makes me wary of main characters, while keeping me enamored of the story they tell.
Vieux-Chauvet explores the nature of identity here against the backdrop of a nation in political and social upheaval where strongmen rise to power and fear and violence become rhe rule of law. Where corruption and betrayal become commonplace and cause the rifts between the social classes and families.
The pen of Haitian authors has always been used to show the beauty and desperation of their people, the richness of their rituals and culture, the changing landscape forged by covetous leaders and entitled occupiers. Their literature speaks to resilience in the face of deforestation and resource plunder, natural and man-made disasters that increase the people's vulnerability, while still communicating a core fortitude.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, Gun violence, Police brutality, Rape, Violence, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Classism, Death, Confinement, Murder, and Alcohol