1. ISBN13: 9780375705045
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Review :

Breath, Eyes, Memory

First I would like to say thank you to Linda Jones for introducing this wonderful author to me. Being a Haitian girl who grew up in Brooklyn, this is the first time I have seen someone wrote about some of the issues I had face in my life. In all her stories I can relate somewhat to some of the issues the characters faces. I feel as if the Haitian women finally have a voice.
Thank you Edwidge!


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Haitian horror story

"Breath, Eyes, Memory" is the story of a young Haitian girl, Sophie, whose mother travels to New York when her daughter is very young, leaving Sophie in the care of her Tante Atie. Eventually Sophie's mother sends for her child, and the girl must travel to the United States to start a new life. I thought this book would focus on the struggles of a Haitian girl adjusting to American society, but Sophie's real demons lay with her family's tragic history, which unfolds bit by bit as the years go by. Sophie ultimately breaks away from her mother but is unable to escape from the horrors of her past. She eventually returns to her home country in search of answers and redemption.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The subject matter is difficult to read, but this book depicts a lifestyle that was a reality for so many Haitian women. Although Sophie and her female relatives endure many tragedies throughout the course of this story, "Breath, Eyes, Memory" also celebrates strong family ties and the power that comes with being a woman. This is truly an amazing book.

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Expecting more...

I was hesitant to read this book since it was an Oprah Book Club pick. Sometimes her books are very deep and thought inspiring and, while that is a good thing, I wasn't looking for that when I picked a book to read! Nonetheless, I picked it up and delved in.

I really expected a heart wrenching tale of a child (Sophie) struggling to make it in America while connecting with a mom she didn't know and missing a family back in Haiti that she was ripped away from. I didn't get that. A lot of her time in America was glossed over; her internal struggles weren't really relayed and the development of a relationship with her mom never did play out like I thought it would.

The author's writing is very simplistic. It's easy to follow--almost too easy! I felt like I was reading a book that was aimed towards a different generation (like teens maybe?)... I LIKED the book, but I didn't love it. Many parts of the book I found interesting - I loved reading about Haiti, the people, the tales, scenery, etc. I really wanted more out of this book though. There was one shocker at the end that really threw me but other than that it was just an O.K. read. Am I glad I read it? Yes... Would I hold on to it to read again? No.

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Great novel

This is a great novel about the diaspora of a Haitian girl to the US. Beautifully written, is the story of how mother and daughter come to terms in the new environment. I strongly recommend it to all readers.

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Reading with Tequila

Breath, Eyes, Memory is the story of the suffering of three women bound by family ties. It was strongly emotional with some heavy themes. The repercussions of rape, the cultural value of virginity and how mothers routinely sexually abuse their daughters in order to preserve their honor were all covered in great detail. The descriptions of Haitian culture both in Haiti and in the United States were fascinating.

The book flowed well and held my interest much more than I expected. The ending was filled with sadness and quite unexpected. Breath, Eyes, Memory was not my usual fare, but it was very good and more than a little eye-opening.

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Editorial Review :

During two centuries of independence from colonial rule, Haiti has developed into a society quite distinct from those found in the rest of the region. Hollywood-derived images of black magic and Graham Greene-inspired conceptions of a "nightmare republic" do scant justice to the reality of life for those who make up the third largest population in the Caribbean. How did the slaves of France's most prosperous colony defeat the armies of Napoleon, Spain, and Britain? Why did the U.S. occupation of 1915-34 fail to establish a plantation economy in Haiti? Haiti in Focus is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this fascinating country. The guide explores the land, history and politics, economy, society and people, culture and environment, and includes tips on where to go and what to see.

Customer Review :

A Great Overview of Haiti

This little book is very thorough, accurate, and informative. This book isn't meant for the causual globe-trotting tourist but for someone who really wants to understand Haiti. The book touches on several subjects (history, agriculture, politics, religion) and then links the subjects together in a simple but thorough way that makes sense.

It also touches on important but obscure subjects like why the well-intentioned eradication of the poor farmers' "Creole Pigs" in the 1980s led to much of the rural problems today. Or why 5 Gourdes (Haiti money) is called "one dollar", which is something that confuses new visitors.

This isn't a deep, complex book either. It's easy to read. And it doesn't seem to have any particular political bias.

If you want a good book on Haiti, this is it!

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Not much depth but good approach

Too bad the book is too short and doe not go into the details of the pre- and post- independence periods of Haiti, whiwh are crucial for the country's future to come then. Otherwise a good 1st approach to the global situation of Haiti.

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Good overview of Haiti

Don't purchase this book if you're looking for an in-depth travel book, an economic or cultural primer. Do purchase this book if you would like to get a general overview of Haiti, that includes a brief mention of the voodoo religion (spelled voodou in the book). It's a good starter book to learn more about the unspoken half of island of Hispanola. A quick read.

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Haiti - a short introduction

This is a thin booklet providing a nice overview of Haitian culure, politics and history: it contains a little bit of everything, illustrated by photographs. The scope of the book is limited, however, and considering political conflicts and agenda, it has aged a bit since 2002 edition. I like the fact that the booklet invites you to further reading, including online resources. At times, I found the language a bit twisted and information a bit insufficient (which is to be expected). If you feel you're missing some general knowledge on Haiti, this is an excellent book to start with (and easy to take with you anywhere), but make sure you update yourself with the latest political issues, before making a decision to travel there. In the time of writing this review, most Western countries advise their citizens not to travel to Haiti. That being said, I think the front page photo provides a great insight ...

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great info on Haiti

really comprehensive view of politics and life in haiti. useful tips for the traveler to Haiti including where to buy condoms!

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More reviews...

1. ISBN13: 9781741042924
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
4. Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Editorial Review :

Discover the Dominican Republic and Haiti

Plunge down the Rio Yaque del Norte, paddling for dear life
Witness the chanting, drumming and spiritual release of a Haitian Vodou ceremony
Hang with the Grand Rue artists, watching them turn scrap metal into cyberpunk art
Sip some of the world's finest blends at the Polo Organic Coffee Festival

In This Guide

Three authors, 105 days of in-country research, countless plates of 'the flag' (red beans, white rice and green plantains)
Expanded coverage of Haitian culture, Dominican Republic outdoor activities and off-trail adventures in each country
Content updated daily - visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler insights

Customer Review :

A few mistakes throughout but overall a big help

Our Lonely Planet guide was used every day as we made our way through the Dominican Republic on our honeymoon. Information wasn't always easy to find in the smaller towns (even for a Spanish speaker), so we relied on it a lot. The maps were especially helpful.

However, we did occasionally run into small typos or sentences that didn't make sense. While this wasn't too big of a deal, we were more concerned that some sections were inaccurate. When we paid $10 in a taxi to go across Santo Domingo to catch a bus that the LP said went to a certain town, we were extremely irritated to learn that that bus station did not provide transportation to our destination and never had. We had to pay for another taxi to get to the right spot. We also found that the prices listed for hotels and restaurants were much higher than listed in the LP. We were not there in the very low season, but it also was not the highest season. Perhaps the places listed have been "discovered" and the hotels and restaurants took advantage of LP's high following. And the writers' favorite places were often some of the most expensive in town (and a little posh) - not what I have typically found in LP editions. If you're able, use the guide to as just that - but not as a bible. Ask around about places when you get into a town.

Overall, we are very glad we had this along. We used it to plan out routes, get reviews on restaurants, learn about the country, do walking tours of each little area (instead of paying someone who "offers" to show you around), etc.

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Lonely Planet Great like always.

Great book, especially for great initial information about an area. Helped us find a cool hostel and restaurants that we would have missed if we hadn't bought it.

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1. ISBN13: 9780061695131
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
4. Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Editorial Review :

Based on acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston's personal experiences in Haiti and Jamaica—where she participated as an initiate rather than just an observer during her visits in the 1930s—Tell My Horse is a fascinating firsthand account of the mysteries of Voodoo. An invaluable resource and remarkable guide to Voodoo practices, rituals, and beliefs, it is a travelogue into a dark, mystical world that offers a vividly authentic picture of ceremonies, customs, and superstitions.

Customer Review :

A classic work on Voodoo

This book is recommended by almost every Vodouisant I know, and with good reason. Zora gives a personal account of her travels through Haiti and Jamaica, and offers us a beautiful glimpse at Voodoo (Vodou) during the time that she was there. If you are serious about studying Vodou, this is a must read.

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Caribbean life in early 20th century

Tell My Horse provides good descriptions of some aspects of life for descendants of slaves in Jamaica and Haiti during the 1920's and 30's. It is objective without being judgmental. It is based on the author's personal experiences so is a first-hand account and is one of only a few such works in existence on this aspect of Caribbean life during this time period.
While the subject of voodoo is covered thoroughly, Hurston also describes living conditions and some historical events that were relevant to her subject. The book appears to be well-researched and Hurston is sympathetic to her subjects without being overly sentimental.

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Very Tellin'

I enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Zora is an excellent story teller. Jamaicans and the duppies make me smile. Duppies are like zombies y'all. Those duppies can be some serious pests. When you die, you should stay dead. She also lets us into the world of Jamaicans and Haitians. The power of colonialism and slavery are far reaching into the

Black man's psyche.



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Indeed, truth is stranger than fiction

This book is as mysterious and thought-provoking as expected from the author. As always, she presents the reader with a point of view that is very personal, and so deeply informed. I don't believe anyone else could have had the range of resources she did on the subjects. I knew very little about Voodoo, or the history of Jamaica and Haiti. I trust Ms. Hurston to have given us an insightful, if brief overview of the state of affairs at that time, in these places. The photos are remarkable.

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Speaking through the Horse's Mouthpiece

This book includes a small section on Jamaica but concentrates mainly on vodou practices in Haiti. I am impressed with Hurston's skill as a travel writer in the section on Jamaica. The images from the island are vivid and written in a lush style. She includes lots of descriptions of Jamaicans' folk culture; the sections on spiritual beings called "duppies" is especially rich. The major focus of the book, however, is on Haiti in general and vodou in particular. Hurston's style is even more impressive in this section. Some passages, such as her blending of mythic images with history, are characteristic of some of her finest writing. The content is equally spectacular, as she writes vibrantly about a range of spiritual beliefs, practices, and rituals. Some of the more fantastical elements, including a description of a corpse that sat upright in a funeral ritual and a photograph of a living zombie seem more like ethnographic fiction than valid social scientific work. As a result, some have dismissed this book as more of a travelogue or even a fictionalized ethnography. In recent years, however, scientific studies have supported Hurston's argument that there is a rationalistic, and perhaps even, a-rationalistic basis for what she observed and discussed. In this respect, her in-depth and sympathetic analysis of vodou is much more interesting and much more relevant to the study of religious experience and folk culture in the islands. It also interesting to think about how she was completing the fieldwork in Haiti while she was also writing other works, including "Their Eyes Were Watching God." That aspect of her life history really adds to an understanding of this book, and it adds to an understanding of her novel and numerous short stories.

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Editorial Review :

Folded road and travel map in color. Scale 1:400,000/1:350,000. Distinguishes roads ranging from highways to other roads. Legend includes tracks, railways, ferry routes, coral reefs, national parks, check-points, airports/regional airports, airfields, passes, botanical gardens, sites of natural interest, ruins, historical vestiges, churches, golf courses, hotels, palaces/castles, beaches, diving sites, fishing sites, wrecks, scenic viewpoints, museums. Includes inset map of Santo Domingo and Port-au-Prince.

Customer Review :

A map for the driver

In Jan 2009, we drove about 550 miles throughout the eastern half of the Dominican Republic and used this map for our travels. But in 2007, the new road from Santo Domingo to Sanchez had not been completed and is not shown on the map. This road is shown in the new Rough Guide to the Dominican Republic (2009). Except for this omission, this map was quite accurate and was the only map we used while driving. We had the National Geographic map but used this only to get information about sites to see.

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DR Map

We used this map on a recent trip to the Dom Rep. It worked out very well and was highly accurate.

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