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Summary: A look at Haitian culture, both good and bad.
Review: This book is for a mature reader. I don't believe it can be taken as a general description of Haitian life. It does shed light on customs which we, as Americans, do not/can not sanction, however, and shows us that we have a lot to learn about other cultures. Thank you for opening our eyes, Ms. Danticat.
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Summary: Does Oprah read her book club books?
Review: I read a few of Oprah's books and must ask, "Does she even read the books she recommends?" I couldn't believe she recommended Ursula Hegi's Stones From The River and hesitated to try another. After reading some reviews, I had much more hope for Breath, Eyes, Memory but was again ultimately disappointed. None of Danticat's characters developed further than the one dimensional block she cast them in from the outset; the grandmother in perpetual mourning, the aunt obsessed with her friend, the mother repressed by her childhood rape and the daughter seeking a mother figure. There's so much more that could have been done with this book. Danticat surely captured the flavor and ethnic culture of Haiti and readers are likely to loose themselves in the beauty she writes of in the beginning of the book. Unfortunately, she couldn't make me like these characters and the book as a whole suffered because of its lack of depth. When will Oprah start recommending joyful, uplifting books instead of books about women with oppressive, sad and sorry lives? I know of alot of young women who read Oprah's Book Club "just because." I hope young women are not thinking that Oprah's Book Club is the be-all and end-all of the literary mainstream. I, for one, would really hate it if all my daughter read were "Oprah" books. There are so many out there that are so much better and deserve the recognition more. Oprah - PLEASE WAKE UP!!
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Summary: This story has wings; let them carry you.
Review: Danticat writes with an economy that any short story writer would envy. The disadvantage to such economy is that you don't get all the details and that will upset some readers, the advantage; however, is that you don't get a bloated 600 pager that showcases the author's command of the Oxford English Dictionary. And THAT is refreshing.I love how Danticat weaves Haitian folklore into her story. She gives you a feel for the soul of the Haitian people; their mettle and their pain. I became furious when a coal vendor was beaten for no reason other than a lust for cruelty by the soldiers and I fought back a tight throat and stinging eyes during the deliciously sad ending. Let Danticat tell you a story and see if you too find wings in the telling.
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Summary: Did not emotionally move me....
Review: I bought this book because it was Oprah's book club pick...I could not put the book down because I hoped that there was more, but instead, it was very predicable and not very interesting or moving....I have not read any other novels by this author and do not care to.
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Summary: Brilliant
Review: I read this book and shed tears at its poetic brilliance and naked candor. To focus on the awful subject of ``testing'' is to completely miss the point of the book. Dandicat tells us that life is hard, life is tragic, but it is also joyous. Breath, Eyes, Memory is like a fountain of cool water on a parched soul. Drink!
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Summary: A parable of pain in Breath, Eyes, Memory
Review: This is a beautifully written story of women and the legacy of pain that we are capable of passing down to our offspring. Danticat writes simple, passionate prose that delivers her message in a very moving way. At first I thought the drama of the ending was unnecessary, however, a day after I finished the book, I changed my mind. Sophie will end the destructive legacy she grew up in thanks in part to her mother's tragic sacrifice.
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Summary: Stylistically Fabulous!!!!!!!!
Review: Ms. Danticat's vision is extraordinary. Stylistically, Danticat sometimes weaves a narrative of utter simplicity; however, the simplistic nature of her composition along with her understanding of human relationships are precisely what make this novel a success. Many reviewers have found fault in this novel due to its simple nature, but like Hemingway, Danticat forces a reader with an acid eye to realize the difficult nature of this deception. "Breath, Eyes, Memory" is an emotional rollercoaster ride--informative, climatic, and emphatically conclusive. Like many other Oprah selections, "Breath, Eyes, Memory" deals with several feminist issues, but the universality of family relations and the importance of multiculturalism are the enduring foundations for this book. Edwidge Danticat has the tools, and many great novels can be expected from her.
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Summary: Worth reading, but the could have been built-on more
Review: I have been to Haiti, so when a friend of mine gave me this book to read, I didn't waste a second to start it. I found myself unable to put the book down, and it is definitely worth reading. However, I believe more character and atmosphere-building could have been made. It seemed too short- more definitely could have been written...more detail, more feelings..I don't know- something. I also believe that the Creole words sometimes were either not translated, or it was hard to figure out the translation- as I have been to Haiti, I knew what the translation was, but for some I don't know if it would come as easy. I believe that the Creole definitely adds to the book's character and should not be taken out. The sexuality issue of the book makes it seem as if 'testing' ocurrs ritually in every Haitian family. As I am no expert on this issue, I imagine that it probably does happen, just not as common-place as the book makes it seem. Maybe a couple words in the explanation of the "test" could have reconciled this. Otherwise a fantastic book that does not place Haiti in a black-cloud like many types of media portray it. Haiti gets a bad reputation and this book places it as a country- like our own- with human beings that have real emotions and real problems, like every one of us. I am definitely anxious to read her next novel.
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Summary: A touching, and wonderful novel
Review: I am a Haitian woman, I lived there until I was 18, and I am shocked by some of the silly responses this book has received from other customers. As one of the more level headed customers noted - when we read Arundati Roy's book do we conclude that all Indian children commit incest? Of course not. This is a beautifully written, thoughtfully and carefully observed novel that engaged me throughout. I read it, judged it, and enjoyed it, as a work of fiction. Most sensible readers will no doubt do the same. It's a beauty, as is Krik Krak and I for one, can't wait to read Danticat's next book.
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Summary: SADNESS AT THE REALITY OF THE WORLDS VIEW OF HONORABLE WOMEN
Review: While I am a woman of Puerto Rican descent and can understand the "honor" in being "pure" this book touched me even more because I understand the mentality of the culture in which we are raised. A culture where disgracing your parents is a "crime" of the heart. I do not however, condone "testing" as this is disgusting and humiliating for all involved. In a culture where the subject of sex is embarrasing and never discussed with children I can't believe that this kind of behavior is acceptable and normal. I do believe that if I were from a different culture I would consider this child molestation and abuse. But because of my upbringing I believe their is no evil intentions on the part of the parents while "testing". No, this has never happen to me or any one in the Puerto Rican culture that I know of. I do know that Puerto Rican parents are strict with their daughters and hope for purity until marriage. A parents ! pride in giving their untouched daughter to her new husband is worn like the feathers of a peacock for all to see.
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