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One of the South Florida Times's Best Bets For Your Weekend
An Essence Magazine Summer Reading Pick
Iris Odys, is the offspring of Hagathe, a Haitian maid, and Brahami, a French-educated mixed-race father who cares little about his child. Hagathe, who'd always dreamt of a better life for her daughter, is presented with the perfect opportunity when Iris is five years old. Adopted by a white American couple, an anthropologist and an art gallery owner, Iris is transported from her tiny remote Haitian village, Monn Neg, to an American suburb.
The Roving Tree illuminates how imperfectly assimilated adoptees struggle to remember their original voices and recapture their personal histories. Set between two worlds, suburban America and Haiti under the oppressive regime of Papa Doc's Tonton Macoutes, the novel offers a unique literary glimpse into the deeply entrenched class discrimination and political repression of Haiti during the Duvalier era, along with the subtle but dangerous effects of American racism. Told from beyond the grave and underscored by the spiritual wisdom of Haitian griots, The Roving Tree explores separation and loss, rootlessness, the impact of class privilege and color consciousness, and the search for cultural identity.
"A well-balanced story about a young woman, caught between two worlds, who struggles to connect with her heritage . . . a polished narrative." —Kirkus Reviews
"With her skillful incorporation of literary realism, Augustave brilliantly synthesizes the cultural richness of Haitian Vodou and the impoverished socio-political affairs of Haiti, along with the acidic polluted gush of racism that is deeply drenched in American society." —Haitian Times
"A stunning tale with beautiful language that dwells in the realm of magical realism . . . The characters are rich, complicated and full of color and nuance." —Mosaic Magazine
"A gorgeous new novel about a Haitian adoptee finding her way in many different corners of the world." —Edwidge Danticat, in the New York Times' By the Book feature
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
May 26, 2021 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
- ISBN: 9781617751738
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781617751738
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781617751738
- File size: 1725 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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March 1, 2013
Augustave, a first-time novelist, pens a well-balanced story about a young woman, caught between two worlds, who struggles to connect with her heritage. Iris Odys grew up in a world vastly different from the one in which she was born. When she dies shortly after giving birth, her final wish is that the story of her life be related to her daughter so that she will understand who she is. When Hagathe, a maid who works for a wealthy family, returns to her Haitian village and gives birth to Iris, she ekes out a living for herself and her daughter, but life is not easy under the rule of "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his ever-present militia, the Tonton Macoute. After Hagathe is brutally assaulted, she makes a difficult decision: Concerned for her daughter's safety and future, she asks a visiting anthropologist and her husband to adopt 5-year-old Iris and take her to America. The Winstons, a wealthy Caucasian couple, already have one adopted daughter and readily agree to Hagathe's request. Raised in privilege by her loving and supportive parents, Iris assimilates into her new culture, but her need to understand her origins, to delve into the very essence of her existence, and to embrace not only herself, but her ancestors, is overpowering. Her godfather enrolls Iris in Haitian dance classes, and it's when she dances to the beating drums that she finally begins to connect to her roots. Entering college, Iris joins the Black Students Union and meets fellow Haitian Pepe, with whom she feels an immediate bond. A disturbing message from Haiti and information about her biological family compel Iris to return to Haiti, where she learns about her ancestors' mystical rituals and practices. Her decision to accept a job in Africa finally reconciles past, present and future when Iris falls in love with an older, politically powerful man who wishes to marry her. Augustave has created a polished narrative that addresses racism and cultural and class differences and provides a wealth of information about vaudou beliefs. A praiseworthy effort.COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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