Joy D's Reviews > Breath, Eyes, Memory

As the story opens, Sophie Caco, is living with her aunt in the Haitian village of Croix-des-Rosets. Sophie’s life in the village is heavily influenced by the local women, and is filled with songs, stories, and cooking. She occasionally visits her grandmother who lives in a remote village. Sophie’s mother, whom she barely remembers, lives in New York City.

When Sophie is twelve, her mother sends for her to come to the States. Sophie’s mother experiences recurring nightmares due to a traumatic event that occurred while living in Haiti. The storyline follows Sophie’s coming-of-age and her mother’s influence, following Haitian cultural practices (view spoiler)[to ensure her daughter’s ongoing virginity (hide spoiler)]. These practices have led to shameful feelings, perpetuated through multiple generations. Sophie returns to Haiti seeking answers from her female relatives.

Edwidge Danticat writes beautifully. She has an amazing ability to bring to life the sights and sounds of multicultural environments. As a warning to sensitive readers, several traumatic events (and their aftermath) are described, such as (view spoiler)[bulimia, rape, and suicide (hide spoiler)]. It is not an easy or light read. It is difficult to believe this is a debut novel. I have read other books by Danticat and am always impressed by the quality of the writing.