54 pages 1 hour read

Edwidge Danticat

Breath, Eyes, Memory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Before You Read

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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

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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 this

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+years

Lexile Level

750L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Afro-Caribbean Literature

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Gender / Feminism

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Relationships: Daughters & Sons

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness