51 pages • 1 hour read
Brother, I'm Dying
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Haiti, New York • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat alternates between the author’s past in Haiti and her present in the US, highlighting her family’s struggles and resilience. The memoir honors her father and uncle, detailing her uncle’s efforts to maintain peace amidst political chaos in Haiti and his tragic death after seeking asylum in the US, as well as her father’s declining health as she prepares for the birth of her first child. Sensitive topics include illness, political violence, forced migration, and death in detainment.
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
7,735 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Edwidge Danticat's Brother, I'm Dying is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. Critics commend its intricate portrayal of family bonds and immigrant struggles, though some feel the narrative pace can be slow. Danticat's lyrical prose and evocative imagery resonate deeply, effectively capturing personal and political nuances.
Who Should Read Brother, I'm Dying?
Readers who appreciate deeply personal, immigrant narratives like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri or introspective memoirs such as When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi will be moved by Edwidge Danticat’s Brother, I'm Dying. Ideal for those interested in family dynamics, resilience, and Haitian-American experiences.
7,735 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Haiti, New York • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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