Brother, I'm Dying
Book description
Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography
A National Book Award Finalist
A New York Times Notable Book
From the age of four, award-winning writer Edwidge Danticat came to think of her uncle Joseph as her “second father,” when she was placed in his care after her…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Brother, I'm Dying as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Danticat offers a gorgeously written memoir tracing her father’s life as US migrant, her uncle’s life as community leader who stayed in Haiti, and her relationship to both across both countries. The book was motivated by her Uncle Joseph’s horrifying, tragic death in the Krome Detention Center (originally built to detain Haitian refugees and notorious for abuses) after he fled home to claim asylum. But it is much more than a recounting of his death. It is a chronicle of a deeply connected family whose love exceeded borders. I cannot get this book out of my head. It helps my…
From A.'s list on helping us achieve migrant justice.
The acclaimed Haitian novelist weaves her own memories of migrating to New York as a child with the heartbreaking story of her uncle, a Haitian pastor, and his encounter with the US immigration system in the Krome Detention Center in Florida. A series of misguided and often mystifying decisions lead to tragedy, not only for her and her family, but for all of us.
From Alejandra's list on to not feel like a dumb tourist in the Caribbean.
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