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336
Novel • Fiction
Hispaniola • 1930s
1998
Adult
18+ years
The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat, published in 1998, is set in the Dominican Republic during the late 1930s and follows Amabelle Désir, an orphan and servant to Señora Valencia. After delivering Señora Valencia’s twin babies, Amabelle learns her lover Sebastien’s friend was killed by a car. As political tensions rise, Amabelle flees to Haiti with Yves, enduring danger and injury, only to discover they survived a massacre. The book contains depictions of violence, systemic oppression, and loss.
Melancholic
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
10,213 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Edwidge Danticat's The Farming of Bones is lauded for its lyrical prose and poignant depiction of the 1937 Haitian massacre in the Dominican Republic. Reviewers praise the emotional depth and historical insight but note its harrowing content may be overwhelming for some readers. The narrative's slow pace receives mixed feelings, with some finding it immersive and others, lingering.
The ideal reader for Edwidge Danticat’s The Farming of Bones deeply appreciates historical fiction that explores themes of identity, resilience, and human rights. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Toni Morrison's Beloved will find similar immersive storytelling and emotional depth.
10,213 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sebastien Onius
A strong and loyal sugarcane worker who is in a romantic relationship with Amabelle, haunted by the memory of his father's death and wary of the ruling class.
Señora Valencia
A well-off woman who, despite her compassionate moments, often expects too much from Amabelle and struggles to reconcile her actions after a significant crisis.
Señor Pico Duarte
Señora Valencia's husband, known for his cruelty and xenophobia, whose actions and attitudes often cause harm to those around him.
Señora Rosalinda
Señora Valencia’s deceased mother, remembered fondly for her egalitarian nature and kindness.
Rafael
The son of Señora Valencia and Señor Pico, whose birth and death are significant events in the storyline.
Rosalinda Theresa
The daughter of Señora Valencia and Señor Pico, who thrives despite initial doubts about her fragility.
Papi/Don Ignacio
Señora Valencia’s father, an exiled Spaniard who is critical of the political regime and his son-in-law's behavior.
Irelle Pradelle
Amabelle’s mother, whose somber disposition and death in a river crossing alongside her husband haunt Amabelle's dreams.
Antoine Désir
Amabelle's father, remembered for his excessive joviality and blamed by Amabelle for the accident that took her parents' lives.
Generalissimo Rafael Trujillo
The dictator of the Dominican Republic during the 1930s known for his oppressive regime and acts of genocide.
Kongo
Joël’s father, respected for his wisdom and tasked with handling the aftermath of his son's death.
Yves
Sebastien's supportive friend, who plays a significant role in the journey that Amabelle undertakes.
Unèl
A middle-class Haitian stonemason living in the Dominican Republic who resists oppression and faces dire consequences.
Father Romain
A young priest from the same town as Amabelle who undergoes a transformation due to his experiences.
Odette and Wilner
Haitian refugees whose attempts to reach safety alongside Amabelle and Yves result in tragedy.
Tibon
A member of the group of Haitians fleeing to the border, known for his resilience and quick bond with Amabelle.
Man Rapadou
Yves’s mother, a nurturing figure who shares a dark secret about her past actions to protect others.
Man Denise
The mother of Sebastian and Mimi.
336
Novel • Fiction
Hispaniola • 1930s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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