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42 pages 1 hour read

The Farming Of Bones

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Edwidge Danticat

The Farming Of Bones

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hispaniola • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

10,213 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Farming Of Bones?

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.

4.3

10,213 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Amabelle Désir

A Haitian woman orphaned at a young age, living in the Dominican Republic in the 1930s, where she works for a wealthy family and struggles with traumatic dreams about her past.

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.

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.

Señora Valencia's husband, known for his cruelty and xenophobia, whose actions and attitudes often cause harm to those around him.

Señora Valencia’s deceased mother, remembered fondly for her egalitarian nature and kindness.

The son of Señora Valencia and Señor Pico, whose birth and death are significant events in the storyline.

The daughter of Señora Valencia and Señor Pico, who thrives despite initial doubts about her fragility.

Señora Valencia’s father, an exiled Spaniard who is critical of the political regime and his son-in-law's behavior.

Amabelle’s mother, whose somber disposition and death in a river crossing alongside her husband haunt Amabelle's dreams.

Amabelle's father, remembered for his excessive joviality and blamed by Amabelle for the accident that took her parents' lives.

The dictator of the Dominican Republic during the 1930s known for his oppressive regime and acts of genocide.

Joël’s father, respected for his wisdom and tasked with handling the aftermath of his son's death.

Sebastien's supportive friend, who plays a significant role in the journey that Amabelle undertakes.

A middle-class Haitian stonemason living in the Dominican Republic who resists oppression and faces dire consequences.

A young priest from the same town as Amabelle who undergoes a transformation due to his experiences.

Haitian refugees whose attempts to reach safety alongside Amabelle and Yves result in tragedy.

A member of the group of Haitians fleeing to the border, known for his resilience and quick bond with Amabelle.

Yves’s mother, a nurturing figure who shares a dark secret about her past actions to protect others.

The mother of Sebastian and Mimi.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hispaniola • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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