Papa Doc, Baby Doc: Haiti and the Duvaliers

by James Ferguson

Aims to explain the reality of Haiti under the Duvaliers and the causes of the regime's violent collapse. Tracing major patterns and forces within the country's often turbulent history, the text examines the nature of Duvalierism, its historic roots and the conflicts which toppled it. It also analyses subsequent events in "liberated Haiti" and assesses future prospects for this unsettled country. Using eyewitness reports and first-hand recollections, the author has reconstructed the events surrounding Baby Doc's last weeks in power. He discusses the role of the Catholic Church and the US Government in his demise, and examines the nature of the spontaneous revolt which lacked orthodox political leadership. A new chapter brings the story further up to date with coverage of the chaotic, disrupted elections in February 1988. The author reported on events in Haiti for "The Independent".

Genres: History, Nonfiction

171 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 1987

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base. This is James^Ferguson.

Reviews

[Marc Lamot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview of Haitian history, up to the mid-80s, with of course the Duvalier-dictatorship at the center. Perhaps a bit outdated now.

[JP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Papa Doc, Baby Doc is a short and solid read on the reigns of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier. Ferguson Lays everything out fine, but at several points, despite the obvious historical faults of the Duvalier regimes (including 10's of thousands of murdered civilians) I did get a creeping feeling that the author supported questionable positions - whether it was Reagan's government giving weapons and aid to the younger dictator or the anti-communist violence perpetrated by the older dictator to calm the US.

It was fine. Nothing particularly eye-opening or inspiring, but now that I know a little more about Haiti's history, I can move forward and read some fun things.


Entertainment: 0
Education: 1/2 Star
Thesis: 1/2 Star
Readability: 1 Star
Inspiration: 0

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, but brief, overview of Haitian history with an emphasis on the Duvalier regimes. Because the book covers so much territory on so few pages, it feels rushed and a lot of details are omitted. I got a lot out of it, but I'm going to seek out more books about Haiti to get more in-depth information. Also, the book ends with late 1987, so I still need to find out about what's happened in Haiti in the last twenty years.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough political history of Duvalier senior's rule. Book was written while he was still in power.