54 pages • 1 hour read
Edwidge DanticatBreath, Eyes, Memory
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat follows Sophie Caco, a 12-year-old girl in Haiti, who reunites with her estranged mother in New York. As Sophie navigates her new life, she confronts painful family traditions and generational trauma, including her mother's own unresolved past. Set between Haiti and the U.S., the novel explores themes of identity, motherhood, and healing. This book includes discussions of rape, sexual abuse, self-harm, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Danticat's Breath, Eyes, Memory is celebrated for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of heritage, trauma, and identity. Critics praise its vivid depiction of Haitian culture and the emotional depth of its characters. Some, however, find its pacing inconsistent and its narrative structure disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling, evocative read that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read Breath, Eyes, Memory?
A reader who appreciates evocative storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and themes of identity and resilience would enjoy Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Alice Walker's The Color Purple will find deep resonance in Danticat's exploration of Haitian heritage and complex female relationships.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
750LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Afro-Caribbean Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Gender / Feminism
History: World
Relationships: Mothers
Relationships: Daughters & Sons
Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness