Books Like...
The novel The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat is a haunting tale set in the Dominican Republic in 1937, amidst the genocide of Haitians. The story is narrated through the perspective of Amabelle Desir, a Haitian orphan who has endured immense hardships and tragedy. As she navigates through the violence and heartbreak, Amabelle emerges as a resilient survivor, capturing the essence of humanity in the face of state-sponsored bigotry and brutality. The narrative structure alternates between standard past tense narration and dreamlike present tense fragments, painting a vivid picture of the Parsley Massacre and the profound loss and grief experienced by the characters.
If you liked The Farming of Bones, here are the top 47 books to read next:
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Save:'The Kingdom of This World' by Alejo Carpentier is a historical fiction novel set in Haiti, following the life of a slave named Ti Noel. The book portrays the traumatic evolution of Haiti's history post-liberation from French colonial rule, highlighting the reign of King Henri Christophe and the subsequent social injustices faced by the black regime. Through Ti Noel's eyes, readers witness the rebellion against the French, the rise of dictatorial regimes, and the cyclical nature of oppression in Haiti. The novel blends magical realism with historical events, depicting the brutal realities of slavery, the complexities of power dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Carpentier's writing style in 'The Kingdom of This World' is described as lush, spare, and vivid, capturing the harshness and turmoil of the time period with rich imagery and engaging storytelling. The narrative spans decades, from the period of slavery through revolution, upheaval, and the oppressive rule of Henri Christophe. Through a mix of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling, Carpentier brings to life the characters, landscapes, and cultural elements of Haiti, offering a compelling exploration of power, resistance, and the impact of historical events on individuals.
Of the twenty stallions brought to Cap Français by the ship’s captain, who had a kind of partnership with a breeder in Normandy, Ti Noël had unhesitatingly picked that stud with the four white feet an... - #2
Save:"No-No Boy" by John Okada is a novel set in the aftermath of World War II, focusing on Ichiro, a second-generation Japanese American man who returns home to Seattle after spending time in an internment camp and then in prison for refusing the draft. The book delves into the internal struggles of Ichiro as he grapples with issues of identity, loyalty, and racism in post-war America. Through a gritty and raw narrative, Okada explores the complexities of Japanese American experiences during a tumultuous period in history.
The writing style in "No-No Boy" is described as powerful, poignant, and introspective, offering readers a deep dive into the emotional turmoil faced by the characters. The novel presents a fresh perspective on the Asian American experience, shedding light on themes of cultural conflict, societal expectations, and the quest for belonging in a country marked by prejudice and discrimination.
Walking down the street that autumn morning with a small, black suitcase, he felt like an intruder in a world to which he had no claim. It was just enough that he should feel this way, for, of his own... - #3
Save:Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale that follows the journey of Sophie, a young girl from Haiti who moves to New York to live with her estranged mother. The book delves into themes of abuse, healing, cultural traditions, and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Through poetic and evocative writing, Danticat weaves a narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the struggles faced by generations of Haitian women, all while painting a vivid picture of life in Haiti and the United States.
A flattened and drying daffodil was dangling off the little card that I had made my aunt Atie for Mother's Day. I pressed my palm over the flower and squashed it against the plain beige cardboard. Whe... - #4
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Save:Tar Baby by Toni Morrison is a novel set on a Caribbean island, focusing on the interactions between a wealthy white American couple, their Black servants, and a mysterious sailor who disrupts their lives. The story delves into themes of race, class, gender, and family dynamics, with a complex narrative structure that weaves together the characters' struggles and relationships. Morrison's writing style is described as poetic, with vivid descriptions and deep exploration of social issues such as racial boundaries and cultural identity.
THE END of the world, as it turned out, was nothing more than a collection of magnificent winter houses on Isle des Chevaliers. When laborers imported from Haiti came to clear the land, clouds and fis... - #6
Save:"Caribbean" by James A. Michener is a historical novel that delves into the rich and complex history of the Caribbean region. Through a series of chapters, each focusing on a different island or time period, the author explores the cultural influences of various groups such as Native Americans, Spanish, French, English, Danish, and American. The novel covers a wide range of topics, from the arrival of African slaves to the struggles between different European powers for control of the islands. The writing style of Michener is described as informative and detailed, providing readers with a deep understanding of the region's roots in mercantile era history.
THE CHIEF CHARACTER in this narrative is the Caribbean Sea, one of the world’s most alluring bodies of water, a rare gem among the oceans, defined by the islands that form a chain of lovely jewels to ... 'Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine, 1921-1933' by Anne Applebaum delves into the callously engineered extermination of millions of Ukrainians through forced starvation under Stalin's regime. The author meticulously details the brutal suppression of rebellion in Ukraine, forced collectivization, and the eradication of wealthier peasants, leading to a devastating famine. Through oral accounts and suppressed records, Applebaum exposes the horrors of the Holodomor, shedding light on Stalin's efforts to suppress the existence of the famine and the lasting impact it has on Ukraine's relationship with Russia.
The warning signs were ample. By the early spring of 1932, the peasants of Ukraine were beginning to starve. Secret police reports and letters from the grain-growing districts all across the Soviet Un...- #8
Save:Claudia Rankine's Citizen: An American Lyric is a powerful exploration of race and racism in contemporary America. Through a mix of essays, poetry, and artwork, Rankine delves into the experiences of black Americans, shedding light on the microaggressions and systemic injustices they face on a daily basis. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the impact of racism on individuals, challenging readers to confront their own privilege and biases.
Rankine's writing style in Citizen is described as intense, haunting, and gripping. She expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, high-profile events, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both lyrical and impactful. The book's use of second-person narration, along with its varied formats and textures, adds to the immersive and thought-provoking nature of the work.
When you are alone and too tired even to turn on any of your devices, you let yourself linger in a past stacked among your pillows. Usually you are nestled under blankets and the house is empty. Somet... - #9
Save:"Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton is a dual-narrative historical fiction novel that follows the lives of two women, Elisa and Marisol, set in 1950s Cuba during the revolution and present-day Cuba. Elisa's story revolves around her forbidden love with a revolutionary amidst political unrest, while Marisol travels to Cuba to fulfill her grandmother's wish of scattering her ashes, uncovering family secrets and finding love. vividly portrays the beauty of Cuba, the struggles of its people under political regimes, and intertwines the past and present seamlessly to provide a compelling insight into Cuban history and culture.
We stand in a row, the famous—or infamous, depending on who you ask—Perez sisters. Isabel leads the way, the eldest of the group. She doesn’t speak, her gaze trained on her fiancé, Alberto. His face i... - #10
Save:"In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez is a powerful and heart-wrenching novel that fictionalizes the lives of the Mirabal sisters who fought against the oppressive Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. The story follows the sisters, their bravery, sacrifices, and ultimate martyrdom, shedding light on a crucial part of the country's history. Alvarez's writing style captures the raw emotions and struggles of the characters, immersing the reader in a tale of courage and resistance against tyranny.
In the garden, Dedé is surprised to hear the radio in the outdoor kitchen announce that it is only three o‘clock. She has been waiting expectantly since after lunch, tidying up the patch of garden thi...
