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A review by ghiblies
The Bread the Devil Knead by Lisa Allen-Agostini
5.0
I finished The Bread the Devil Knead with the full belief that it is one of the most important books I'll ever read in my life. Narrated in rhythmic Trinidadian Creole, Alethea is a vibrant and extremely memorable character to spend time with. She has lived her life suffering abuse after abuse, experienced the worst cruelty imaginable, and yet she carries herself with a spirit that is never defeated. It fills me with indescribable sorrow to say that I was able to draw more comparisons than I ever want to be able to, between Alethea's experiences and those of one of my closest family members. What has gone unsaid between us for a lifetime, Lisa Allen-Agostini has given to me in this book and I am endlessly grateful.
In the book's acknowledgements Lisa says, "Brutality is an inescapable inheritance of humanity. But so is love. As terribly as we can be hurt, so deeply can we be healed. And we cannot stand alone." And I can think of no better way to describe this book, this is the very essence of Alethea's painful, but optimistic story. This book has burned itself into my heart where I know it will stay for the rest of my life.
In the book's acknowledgements Lisa says, "Brutality is an inescapable inheritance of humanity. But so is love. As terribly as we can be hurt, so deeply can we be healed. And we cannot stand alone." And I can think of no better way to describe this book, this is the very essence of Alethea's painful, but optimistic story. This book has burned itself into my heart where I know it will stay for the rest of my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Miscarriage