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54 pages 1 hour read

Edwidge Danticat

Breath, Eyes, Memory

Edwidge DanticatFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Edwidge Danticat

Breath, Eyes, Memory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Haiti and New York • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

750L

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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.

Melancholic

Emotional

Mysterious

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

31,613 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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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.

4.1

31,613 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Haiti and New York • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

750L

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