This outstanding Haitian novel tells of Manuel's struggle to keep his little community from starvation during drought.
The genre of the peasant ...
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Apr 04, 2010
Hunt
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"Masters of the Dew" written by Haitian author Jacques Roumain and orignally published in 1944 was a very interesting and entertaining read. Although i would not designate this novel as one of the best works from Haiti that i have read it is decent in its own respects. If i had to categorize "Masters of the Dew" i would place it in the genre of the 'peasant novel experience' so common to the caribbean and Latin America. The novel follows the struggles and efforts of villag
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Jul 06, 2009
Harry
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When I opened the package and saw the cover, I thought for a moment that the bookseller had cocked up and sent me a romance novel by mistake. But they hadn’t; Masters of the Dew is that slightly curious thing, a peasant novel. Curious because, generally speaking, peasants don’t write novels — the hero of this story is illiterate, in fact — so these books are written by outsiders, for whatever reasons of their own.
Jacques Roumain was from a wealthy Haitian family, educated in Europe, More...
Jacques Roumain was from a wealthy Haitian family, educated in Europe, More...
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Sep 12, 2009
Shaina
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I found this novel appalling, though I seem to be in a minority...
The main character is such a blatant "Mary Sue" or whatever the male equivalent would be, that my literature professor, who loved the book, even admitted that his character was meant to be likened to Jesus. He is perfect in every way, woos women effortlessly, and is loved by all, to the point that it's sickening to read.
His lover, a shy woman, falls deeply in love with him from just one conversati More...
The main character is such a blatant "Mary Sue" or whatever the male equivalent would be, that my literature professor, who loved the book, even admitted that his character was meant to be likened to Jesus. He is perfect in every way, woos women effortlessly, and is loved by all, to the point that it's sickening to read.
His lover, a shy woman, falls deeply in love with him from just one conversati More...
Jan 29, 2012
Lyv
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La première fois que j'ai lu ce roman remonte à environ dix ans. de lui, je me rappelais la silhouette fine d'une femme qui remontait un sentier, une jarre sur la tête.
Je me rappelais une histoire d'amour, tendre et simple. Je me rappelle qu'après l'avoir refermé, j'avais soupiré et je m'étais dit "quelle belle histoire"
J'ai ressenti à peu près la même chose à cette deuxième lecture, mais ai été plus sensible à la force et à la poésie de ce récit.
L'h More...
Apr 06, 2011
Elizabeth
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A small community in Haiti is suffering from the lack of water, as well as from being divided due to a family dispute. One man who has been away for 15 years returns and vows to find a solution to the situation.
This book was a nice quick read, interesting and moving. However, I found it to be extremely sexist - which is partly due to its context, but it was just ridiculous - as well as fairly predictable. I suspect it also suffered from the translation into English.
This book was a nice quick read, interesting and moving. However, I found it to be extremely sexist - which is partly due to its context, but it was just ridiculous - as well as fairly predictable. I suspect it also suffered from the translation into English.
Jan 06, 2010
Kelsey
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Definitely a communist text, which, considering the history of Haiti (the setting) I don't really find that surprising. I would probably think communism is a good idea too if I lived in such an extreme wealth divided country.
I think the death of the main character, Manuel can be read as a christ figure, which is pretty interesting considering Marx's views on Christianity.
I think the death of the main character, Manuel can be read as a christ figure, which is pretty interesting considering Marx's views on Christianity.
Jul 13, 2011
Maria
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fantastic philosophical message that captures a universal reality of Haiti
Oct 06, 2008
James
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This is a cool little novel with its share of problems. It ends with an ultra-cheesy twist, and some of the characters are thin: the villain is almost mustache-twirlingly Evil. But it's a great investigation of Haitian society, and the way Roumain blends first- and third-person narration is really interesting, especially given his culture's narrative tradition.
Jun 30, 2008
Batya
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This is a story about the land in Haiti and a bold proposal to reconcile an old feud to save it. I was especially interested in the connection with the main character's experience in Cuba. Be sure to read the introduction by Michael Dash explaining, among other things, the context and problematic translation by Langston Hughes of the Haitian term "neg."
Dec 05, 2011
Karani
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This book is a great reading, undertaking this task was the best decision i made
Oct 18, 2008
The writer's who said this novel was seminal were more than right. A romantic homage to a misunderstood country. The story is as relevant today as when it was first published.
Jun 04, 2008
Jessica
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A great Haitian novel, with views into poor Haitian life, the things people face, interactions with an oppressive state regime, etc. A nice story besides.
Nov 14, 2011
Purple
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This was lovely. It's so easy to see why it's the classic Haitian novel. It's going to be hard to choose just one excerpt to translate.
Sep 16, 2009
marie
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In retrospect, I should have skipped the Introduction. But because I read it first, the book felt a bit like a lecture in rural development studies.
Mar 19, 2008
Penina
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This is the most beautiful Love story. It connects every human being to their roots no matter where or how deep they lie.
Feb 09, 2012
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