Category: Biography & Autobiography, Haiti, Immigration
Format: Hardcover, 288 pages
On Sale: September 4, 2007
Price: $23.95
Publishers: Random House
I just finished reading Edwidge Danticat's gentle tribute to the two most important men in her life, her father Mira and her uncle Joseph, and I am sad, angry and heartbroken. Read on and you will understand why.
In 1973, constantly hounded by Duvalier's "Tonton Macoutes", “a battalion of brutal men and women aggressively recruited from the country's urban and rural poor,” Edwidge's parents immigrated to New York, leaving her and her younger brother, Bob, in the care of Uncle Joseph, their father's older brother who was the pastor of a Church in Port-au-Prince. Joseph and his wife Tante Denise were the children's surrogate parents for 8 years and Edwidge grew to love them like her own. They were not the only kids the couple looked after...they also brought up Marie Micheline, the daughter of a Cuban friend who just disappeared one day and never returned, as well Tante Denise's brother's daughter. I mention this so that you get a glimpse of how large-hearted, generous and kind the couple were.
(Danticat has written an essay about the Marie Micheline in the June issue of the New Yorker, you can find it here.)
(The author with her Uncle Joseph and Tante Denise in Haiti 1973)In October 2004, there was political upheaval in Haiti. For the first time a UN force was sent to help stabilize Haiti. Rebels seized towns and cities and some entered Uncle Joseph's church compound, threatening his life. Joseph, who was then 81, escaped Haiti in disguise and flew to the US to visit his dying brother (Edwidge's father). However he landed in a deadly detention center in Miami (the Kome detention center) where the immigration officials treated him as an unwelcome refugee (just because he indicated he might like an extension on his visa on account of the trouble in Haiti) rather than the temporary visitor that he was.
To read Danticat's lacerating description of how the officials at the detention center treated her elderly and sick (he had suffered cancer of the throat and could only speak with the aid of a voice box) uncle filled me so much anger, frustration and shame. Unlike Cuban refugees who are processed and released to their families after landing on American soil, Haitians are routinely imprisoned, then deported. Within days of his detention, Uncle Joseph took ill. Accused of faking his illness he was denied his medicines and received minimal medical attention...handcuffed to a hospital bed he died alone because his family was not allowed to visit him.
Along with Danticat I ask, why this discrimination against Haitian immigrants? Why wasn't her uncle who was both, old and sick, not allowed to die with dignity and with his loved ones around him? Why couldn't the world's greatest country have shown more humanity? Because of the trouble in Haiti it wasn't possible to take Joseph's body back for burial next to his beloved wife Denise, instead he was buried in Queens, New York. When Edwidge's father heard about the burial arrangements he remarked, "If our country were ever given a chance and allowed to be a country like any other, none of us would live or die here."
Truly, that remark speaks volumes, after all, who really wants to live in exile? Who wants to be a foreigner all of his or her life? But refugees have no choice, it's run away or be killed and it is good for us to realize that in our dealings with them. Danticat’s father died about six months after her uncle from pulmonary fibrosis that had ravaged his body for more than a year. Danticat writes “This is an attempt at recreating a few wondrous and terrible months when their lives and mine intersected in startling ways, forcing me to look forward and back in both celebration and despair. I am writing this only because they can’t.”
"Brother, I'm Dying" is a heartbreaking read. In many ways it is the archetypal American immigrant story -- parents from the home country struggle and sacrifice to afford their children a better life- but it's also uniquely Haitian in the struggles depicted. Do buy yourself a copy!
On October 4, Edwidge Danticat testified before the U.S. Congress' Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. Her powerful testimony can be found here
*********
I have been awarded the 'Schmooze Award" by Lalitha or Starry Nights of "Across the Miles" Thank you so much, Starry!
About the award :- This award is for the bloggers who “effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”
In turn, I would love to award it to:
Melissa
Sanjay
Olivia
Radha
Beenzzz
ml
Jenclair
A Reader from India
Booklogged
Happy Reader
Tara
Holly Dolly
Asha
Anali
Everyone on my blogroll deserves this award but I wanted to use this opportunity to express my thanks to these 14 bloggy friends for their frequent visits to my blog despite how busy they are...thank you, it is much appreciated! Please forgive me if you are frequent visitor to my blog and I have forgotten to nominate you...you have my heartfelt thanks too and feel free to use the schmooze award!
******
The Guardian First Book Award Short List (thanks, Sanjay)
I was so happy to see Tahmima Anam's "A Golden Age" on the list. I really enjoyed the novel! Another book that looks like a very worthy read is "Children of the Revolution by Dinaw Mengestu
48 comments:
there's just no way i can be the first commenter. it's been a long time!
this book does, indeed, sound heartbreaking. stories of those who were mistreated unfairly get my hackles up.
also, thank you for the schmooze award!
i'll post it right now.
Wow, this book does sound an engaging read, albeit, a heartbreaking one. Like Melissa, I too "get my hackles up"for people being mistreated.
Thank you too for the schmooze award. One question, how do I post it onto my blog......help.....
Oh Lotus, Thanks for reviewing this book! I just got a copy of it last week and I was skeptical about it. Your review makes it sound like it deserves my attention.
Thanks for the schmooze award! You are so kind!
I am thrilled to see "Imperial Life" on the Guardian list. I am currently reading it and its really good. Also, "Children of Revolution" is on my TBR list.
What an interesting review you wrote. And what a tragic story. It breaks my heart. I'll have to look for this one at my library. I'm always looking for books to recommend to patrons and others.
@Melissa ~ First commenter or last, I am always thrilled to see something from you! Have a great weekend!
@Sylvia ~ Hi!!! All you have to do is upload the image of the schmooze button to your blog like you would with an other image. Let me know if you run into problems, OK?
@Chitts ~ Edwidge's uncle's story will truly touch a chord...I cried buckets towards the end of the book. Danticat is such a wonderful story teller....her prose is subdued yet poignant, she let's the incidents speak for themselves. When you consider the kinds of memoirs being written today, this one definitely stands apart. I hope you enjoy it.
Yes, I have lots of good things about "Emerald City", I really would like to read it at some point.
@Kay ~ Thank you! Like I was saying to Chitts, I cried buckets towards the end of this book, the lives of these two people touched me so much and made me so grateful for what I have.
Your review of the book itself is so gripping.. I can imagine the the emotions the book itself would deliver! Thanks for the review and congrats on the award! (u deserve it:))
You were in cochin ? I am actually from cochin. My parents are still there and my mom is a mohiniyattam exponent! Yes, I teach and perform dance ...:)
Yes, this does sound like a heartbreaking book and one that would get me furiously angry. Thanks for the awesome review, Lotus :)
Also, thank you for the Schmooze award! I love receiving awards!
Hi Lotus!
Thank you so much for the award! You are such a sweet person. I want to thank you for your friendship and conversing with me over e-mail. It has been so nice to be in contact with others who share my interests!
Wonderful review! This book sounds so very heartbreaking indeed. I cannot for the life of me, figure out why refugees are treated with such disregard. It is so psychologically traumatizing to flee from your country. The worst part, is that the salvation and freedom the refugees run to, is nothing more than the same demon clad in different robes.
Thank you again!!
Also, congratulations to you on receiving the schmooze award!
Oh Lotus! My heart is aching just thinking about her Uncle.You have written it very well. Such tragedy. We don't realize how lucky we are only we read stories like this! It makes me sad. I have heard that Japanese Americans were treated badly and kept in camps in US too during the war!!
Thank you for the award Lotus. I know you are a great Schmoozer too, well deserved award for you as well. Enjoy! Hugs. Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!:)
Sad, angry and heartbroken is how I feel, too. And that's after just reading your review and not the book. The treatment of Danticat's uncle is astounding. Why are we so cruel to each other?! And her mother and father having to leave their children behind and live and die in exile is sad for all concerned.
You always write such good reviews. This is one is especially moving. Thanks, Lotus. You really do deserve the 'smoozer award' for being such a good friend. I will always be grateful that you are my friend. And thanks for nominating me. You are a dear one.
This sounds like a completely heartbreaking book. It's so sad that in the 21st century people still get treated this way.
Congratulations on the award!
Thank you for the schmooze award - that's lovely of you!
This book sounds just heartbreaking. I hate hearing about the atrocious ways other human beings are treated just because of assumptions made about them- or any other reason, really. Maddening too, to think this only occurred a few years ago.
That's an interesting read. I haven't read anything coming out of Haiti as far as i can remember so I won't miss this one.
Out of curiosity, does the book touch upon the HIV/AIDS issues that have haunted this tiny half-island nation? Also, Haiti is quite the stepchild in this case since Dominican Republic (the other half island nation) is favored by the USA.
@Nanditha ~ Hi! Yes, I visited Cochin the last time I was in India, the backwaters are oh so beautiful! Did lots of shopping in the Jewish market too! Was also fortunate enough to catch a "Kathakali" performance, and along with the Mohiniattam it was such a treat! Nanditha, I so wish I lived closer to you...my 12-year old was so interested in learning Indian dance. I searched high and low for a teacher near us but was unsuccessful. I just re-read my earlier comment to you where I typed proponent instead of exponent, lol. Your mom might know Mrs. Unni from Indira Nagar Bangalore. She's the lady I mentioned in my earlier comment ( I don't know why her first name won't come to me!)
@ml ~ You're so welcome and thank you for enjoying the review!
@beenzzz ~ Awww, I feel the same way! It's really nice to be able to discuss all these issues with a like-minded soul. I have the same questions regarding refugees...why are they treated so badly? I realize that the host country cannot accept everyone that flees to it, but surely they can be treated in a more humane way? I also realize that not everyone that a refugee comes into contact with will treat them badly, but it's the few bad apples that can make the experience really bitter.
@Asha ~ You are so right...there are some really sad and moving accounts from Japanese-Americans and Japanese-Canadians of their internment and their rejection by mainstream society. I cannot understand why we do this to our fellow human beings.
Lotus, this is such a wonderful review and post. Firstly let me offer you my congratulations on receiving "the power of schmooze" award. It is indeed well deserved, you comments are always an encouragement to a number of your readers whose blogs you frequent, and your bog is much loved and you truly foster the things the award talks about.
Thank you for the award, I wish I could read more blogs as there are so many wonderful folks who are blogging and time is such an issue. :-/ But thank you I will display the award with a lot of joy and congratulations to all the other recipients too, I am in fine company! :-)
Thank you buddy, for the acknowledgment for the Guardian's First Book Award short list. I remembered how much you loved "A golden Age" and thought you would like to know that Aman's book made the short list. And I enjoyed listening to the audio version of her book reading that you so kindly sent to me. And the Children of the Revolution by Dinaw Mengestu has had good reviews, that will be a good one to read I think.
Reading you post about Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat was extremely sad and heart breaking too! I first read about this book in the NYT book review and then heard an interview of Danticat on NPR's fresh air. link . Strangely enough as compelling as her book seems to be her interview was not as riveting. That could be because I was not as alert to it while driving,or maybe Terry Gross who does a fantastic job usually, did not draw her out as much? Also I felt she did not go in to much detail about the sad episode of how her uncle passed away, but that is my impression and I am known to be wrong. :)
However the review that I read and your excellent synopsis of the book has brought home to me the fact that this is a compelling read and it will go to my growing TBR list. :)
Danticat's uncle and aunt are truly a big hearted couple and are such an example for a lot if us. And her father did a remarkable job of nurturing his daughter's love of story with is regular letters.
It is truly shameful how differently refugees from Cuba are treated compared to those from Haiti, the strong Cuban political lobby in the US has a big role to play in this.
Reading about how her uncle Joseph passed away and was treated filled me with shame and anger at how my country can sometimes treat people. Her testimony to Congress was very riveting!
My heart went out to Danticat and her family. And border control officers have a wide discretion at the border to deal with potential refugees, and immigration authorities can be very callous. This story of a American citizen of Latino descent who was also mentally disabled and was deported to Mexico made me very upset. Rightly so his family is suing now. link . From that link...
Guzman, 29, was deported to Tijuana, Mexico in May from a U.S. jail, where he was incorrectly identified as being in the United States illegally.
He was found trying to cross back into the United States on Sunday, and taken into custody by authorities in Calexico, California. Guzman was then transported to a jail in Los Angeles and a judge ordered his release.
During his time in Mexico, Guzman walked roughly 100 miles, ate out of garbage cans and bathed in rivers, Rosenbaum said.
But there are a lot of good officers out there too and as glad as I am that justice was done, he should never have been deported as he is American! Sometimes I feel this nation is losing its soul and sense of compassion and fairness. I hope things will change after the elections.
BTW Danticat's book is also one of the finalists for the National book Award in the non-fiction category. link. If your or any of your readers are interested they can download a mp3 file of the reading of her book here. .
And in a bit of trivia Danticat is from Barnard College which amongst it's alumnae has Mary Gordon, Jhumpa Lahiri, Anna Quindlen, Erica Jong, Rosellen Brown, Lynne Sharon Schwartz, Tama Janowitz and Ntozake Shange. And they have thisnice thing where successful graduates go back to teach. The NYTimes article here refers to it as a kind of literary hatchery. :-).
Sorry about the long comment, but your post is an enjoyable read and it is thought provoking as always! Thank you!
Have a wonderful weekend my friend!
After reading this heartbreaking story of officiousness, the failure of basic humane behavior, and Danticat's testimony, I realize that it is a book I should read...even I don't want to. Thanks for a putting another book out there that I might not have found otherwise.
And thanks for the great award. I am honored to be in the company of those who have received it!
Thank you for your great review, Lotus. I very much enjoy Edwidge Danticat's writing and will have to add this one to my wishlist.
Thank you for the award Lotus! : )
I first heard about this book when I heard the author interviewed on NPR. It was absolutely heartbreaking. There is just too much pain and sadness in the world.
@Booklogged ~ Thank you! This book left me feeling so frustrated and angry at the system and so sad for Danticat's uncle. The poor man was such an unfortunate victim of his circumstances, although I will hasten to add that in no way did Danticat make them sound like victims...they were ordinary family men who, for no fault of their own had to leave their country only to find that they weren't in the least bit welcome in their adopted country.
I am also grateful for your friendship booklogged...I remember with much fondness your visit to Toronto and I hope you will visit again.
@Nymeth and Tara ~ Very pleased to have you both drop by...yes, it's an eye opener how we continue to treat refugees in this century. Have we all forgotten that one day it just might happen to us? Who knows what the future holds? We may not necessarily be refugees borne out of conflict like war etc. but with the way global warming is going who knows, we might be environmental refugees. We have to learn to treat people like we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes, but who's listening? Ugh, sorry for what sounds like a rant, but I am still so upset at what happened to Danticat's uncle.
@Id ~ Hi! No, no mention of AIDS or HIV because the focus is on the true stories of her father and uncle and why they became exiles and not so much on the social and health conditions that plague the country. Yes, the Dominican Republic and Haiti share two parts of the same island and yet there is so much disparity between the two.
@Jenclair ~ You're so welcome! One thing you'll notice about the prose is that it's spare with no dramatic flourishes and Danticat doesn't need to resort to any of that because the devastating events speak for themselves. There is something so intimate about her recounting these very personal tragedies, that by the end of the book, you feel for her and her family just like you would feel for a very close friend. I really sobbed for her uncle like he was my own.
@Wendy ~ Yes, I think you won't be disappointed. It's not as lyrical as some of her other books but immensely moving. Thank you for stopping by, it is good to see you here.
@Anali ~ You are quite welcome! This is the second time this week you've been "schmoozed" ;)
Hi, Sanjay!
Thank you for all the nice things you say, truly!
My word, you are a treasure trove of information! I am truly glad to have your input, thank you!
Interesting that you said Danticat's interview was not riveting. Having heard her once myself I am inclined to agree with you. She is not a very emotional speaker...I find she answers most questions in a very even tone thus making it hard for the listener to guage just how she feels about a certain issue or incident. Even her prose in "Brother, I'm Dying" avoids obvious sentimentality but you can't miss the current of sadness that flows through the pages.
The story of Guzman is sad indeed, I would love to see what comes of the court case, it anything. I will keep following this one.
And wow@Barnard! I didn't realize it had so many wonderful writers amongst its alumini, I guess it's one of those places where you absorb great writing skills almost through osmosis! :)
Don't ever apologize for long comments, I love conversing!
Hope you're having a great Saturday!
Sounds like a book everyone should read.
I have read "Breathe,Eyes, Memory" and really did not enjoy her style of writing. Is this book written similiarly?
yes, our kerala is truly a paradise.. and i realise it when i am so far away.i live only a water across you!(he he)i can see ur place from detroit.:)
i think the person u meant was sreedevi unni, my mom knows her.
@Dana ~ Hello! The book is quite sad in parts. I haven't read "Breath, Eyes, Memory" but if I should wager a guess I would say that this book is not as lyrical or poetic as her previous writing. Because of the nature of the subject the prose is more sedate but her talent as a wonderful storyteller is on display for every reader to enjoy. Dana, what is it about "Breath, Eyes, Memory" you did not enjoy? Just asking because I have it here on my shelf and I have plans to read it some day.
@Nanditha ~ Just left you a comment on your really wonderful post! Thanks so much for putting these posts together, I love reading them.
I enjoyed the story of Breathe, Eyes,Memory which is also very sad. Danticat's writing style is very simplistic. Very short sentences quite like what I tend to write. It seems like the book was written by a young teenager and not a mature adult. It was hard to read the 'disturbing' material written quite immaturely
Hi, Dana
THanks so much for letting me know what to expect. I completely understand why you felt the way you did...I, too, would have preferred these very disturbing subjects to have been dealt with in a more mature style. However, I think she's probably redeemed herself with this recent work of non-fiction.
BTW, I have some books to give away if you're interested...will send you an e-mail, you don't live too far from me so I can probably hand them over to you in person if you're interested.
absolutely love the new look of your blog. love the color and the posters/pictures you have at the top. just so beautiful.
girl, you read.
and the books you read. you make me want to get these. hopefully in the future i'll be able to pick some of these up.
Oooh, thanks for the nomination!
Unlike most of your featured authors, I have heard of Edwige Danticat. Many years ago, her name used to get stuck in my head. Probably read about her in Reader's Digest.
I'm always interested in books HAHA
I know I read some about this book recently and added it to my TBR list but thank you for reminding me of it. It sound so powerful. I think more people should read immigrant stories to get a better sense of what people go through. A wonderful review Lotus.
Lotus..love the new look of your blog.really colorful.
This is a really sad story but true.I really don't know why Haitians are treated so badly. I think everyone has the right to die in dignity. another good book to read,I have so many good books recommended by you on my list, and it gets longer and longer.
Hi Lotus! Congrats on receiving the 'Schmooze Award'.
BTW, I have passed you another award. Check it out! :D
Hi Lotus - I've been wanting to read this book ever since the New Yorker essay was published last June. There's an interview with Edwidge at the National Book Award site, which is linked here, in case you're interested. Thanks for the review. This is top of my list.
What a heartbreaking story. I had thought that the treatment of Haitian immigrants/citizens was improving slightly, it sounds as if it is just being hidden better.
There has long been a big difference in treatment between Cuban and Haitian refugees. A lot of current American policy is influenced by failed foreign policy and interference in Haiti from the past. To grant Haitians refugee protection would be tantamount to admitting that the US gov. royally screwed up (think along the same lines as why the gov. is currently so hesitant to give protection to any Iraqi refugees).
There are very few countries in the Americas that the US grants protection to, stemming from (CIA) interference and backing of dictators during the Cold War.
The topic of Haiti always depresses me. I feel that it is a country whose citizens have endured more than 200 years of isolation from the rest of the world. Their problems rarely receive any attention on a global level: no one seems to care.
@Um naief ~ How nice of you to drop by. SO glad you like the new look my blog's sporting. I wanted something that was a reflection of me...India and books seemed most fitting at the moment and that's how the design (which Sanjay helped a lot with) was conceived!
@Olivia ~ I am not surprised her name got stuck in your head. "Edwidge Danticat" is such an unusual name and I love how they say it in French, Edweeedge. :)
@Iliana ~ So true! There would be a lot more tolerance,I believe, if we just read more about immigrants' lives before we judge them.
@Starry ~ You're welcome! This book really shook me out of my complacency and made me realize how fortunate I was to be here.
@Melody ~ Thank you! You have given me such a great award, I can't wait to display it!
Lotus, your new banner is really beautiful: I love the Indian Venus coming out of the Lotus flower.
Haiti, as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere has such a level of marginalization that I'm not even surprised by the abhorrent treatment of Haitian refugees in the States. (Especially compared to Cuban exiles who are probably the best treated among any national group) I even remember in the early '80s that Haitians counted among the few high risk groups for AIDS infection along with Homosexual men and intravenous drug users, can you imagine?
@Sandhya ~ Thank you so much for pointing me to the interview! When asked what was the hardest part of this book to write, Danticat answered: "The hardest part was reading the government documents involved in my uncle's death.
Every encounter he had with a government official seemed so unfriendly, so distant, so cold. You have a feeling that no one was responding to him as a person, as a human being.
That came out so strong in the book...it had me crying buckets at the inhumanity shown to an old, sick man.
Also, one of her favorite non-fiction books of all time is something I have been aching to read, " We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families by Philip Gourevitch.
I really enjoyed the interview, thanks Sandhya
@Nyssaneala ~ I always welcome your input and insights, thank you so much! Before I read this book I hadn't even realized that there were different policies for refugees depending on which country they hailed from. I understand there are a lot of prejudices against the Haitians. As Susan mentioned some people worry they (the refugees)may be at risk for AIDS and in the '70's, they worried about Tuberculosis because it was endemic among them etc. but I am inclined to believe there is much more to that...there are political motives behind this discrimination like you pointed out, but ofcourse we will never be told the real reasons why they are incarcerated upon arrival and are not part of the "wet foot-dry foot" policy that Cuban refugees avail of.
@Susan ~ Thank you so much..so glad you like the header! It's not intentional but I am currently reading the memoirs of a Cuban exile and there is a marked difference in how he and his family were treated versus Danticat's uncle. I guess the US give Cubans preferential treatment simply to poke Castro in the eye (or atleast that is how it used to be) also, I have read that Cuban-American vote in the Key West is the swing vote in a swing state. So I guess American politicians want to keep them happy?
Yes, it's a French name I've heard before. "edviiij" and "dantica" together are quite poetic.
Looks like a must read! :)
How have u been? long time!
Oh it's good to be back in the world of blogs. I missed that very much. And of course your blog is one of my favourite destinations :)
Great review (as always), it did cause anger and sadness indeed but what fears me the most is the fact that I wasn't surprised by the treatment. At all!
Moreover I wouldn't expect that he'll receive a proper and adequate tretmant. That would be huge surprise. I don't know is this speaking incurable cynic or my life experience.
People are often mean only because they can, because they have more powerful image in their own eyes. And all that especially if they have legitimate justification for their actions (like in this story). Sad indeed.
Oh I have "The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears" by Dinaw Mengestu, his debut novel on my tbr pile so I'm wondering if "Children of the Revolution" is the same book?
I'd say it is since the main character is the same and the plot is very similar but wouldn't that be quite strange?
oooh an award!!!! Thanks so much!!
And loved the review...personally, i get scared of such gloomy stories, but I guess its important to be aware of these stories & the world around you. But they make me very cynical & probably that why im scared of picking up such books!!
Hi Lotus,
Danticat's book sounds truely heartbreaking. I try to keep away from such sad real life stories as I find them depressing and frustrating. After reading your detailed reviews on such books, I feel that I need to read more such non-fiction books set in the real world.
Your blog truely deserves the Schmooze award, Congratulations!
And Thank you so much, I am so delighted!
Post a Comment