Reading About Haiti

Below is a list of suggested reading to learn more about the history and culture of Haiti.

Haiti: A Slave Revolution
Haiti's slave revolution and its continual resistance to occupation and dictatorship are recounted through the Haitian art, poetry, photos, and essays included in this exciting anthology. The agonies and exaltations of the country and its people will garner the reader's empathy and illustrate why the Haitian Revolution is still considered a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Haiti's impact on the United States, including voodoo economics, and the effects of U.S. embargoes against the country are discussed along with plausible reasons for occupation.

Haiti in Focus
Haiti in Focus explores how during two centuries of independence from colonial rule, Haiti has developed into a society quite distinct from those found in the rest of the region. Hollywood-derived images of black magic and Graham Greene-inspired conceptions of a "nightmare republic" do scant justice to the reality of life for those who make up the third largest population in the Caribbean. How did the slaves of France's most prosperous colony defeat the armies of Napoleon, Spain, and Britain? Why did the U.S. occupation of 1915-34 fail to establish a plantation economy in Haiti? Haiti in Focus is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this fascinating country. The guide explores the land, history and politics, economy, society and people, culture and environment, and includes tips on where to go and what to see.

Madame Dread: A Tale of Love, Vodou and Civil Strife in Haiti
Madame Dread is a compelling memoir interweaves shattering political events with an intensely personal narrative about the Haitian musician Klarreich eventually marries (and has a child with), who turns out to be as enthralling and complicated as the political events she covered.

Paradise Lost: Haiti's Tumultuous Journey from Pearl of the Caribbean to Third World Hotspot
Why has Haiti been plagued by so many woes? Why have multiple U.S. efforts to create a stable democracy in Haiti failed so spectacularly? Philippe Girard answers these and other questions, examining how colonialism and slavery have left a legacy of racial tension, both within Haiti and internationally; Haitians remain deeply suspicious of white foriegners' motives, many of whom doubt Hatians' ability to govern themselves. He also examines how Haiti's current political instability is merely a continuation of political strife that began during the War of Independence (1791-1804). Finally, Girard explores poverty's devastating impact on contemporary Haiti and argues that Haitians--particularly home-grown dictators--bear a big share of the responsibility for their nation's troubles.

Zombie Curse: A Doctor's 25-year Journey into the Heart of the AIDS Epidemic in Haiti
Zombie Curse is the memoir of a dedicated doctor battling the AIDS epidemic in Haiti does more than chronicle the story of a horrible disease. It is a moving tribute to the abundant courage, resilience, and dignity of a people beset by tragedy. We follow Dr. Fournier to Haiti where he searches for ways to treat patients with AIDS - not simply the physical symptoms, but the stereotyping and blame heaped on both the victims and even the doctors that tend to them. In large measure it is the generous spirit of a proud people that move and motivate Fournier, ultimately releasing him from his own zombie curse.

Seven Days in Haiti: Learning from the Meet to be a Bond-Slave of Christ
This powerful little book is definately a must read. Michael Barrick journeyed to Haiti on a mission to discover what it really meant to be "a bond-slave for Christ", and in 7 short days, found out that and so much more. He tells of the places he went, and how life really is in Haiti for Christians and non-Christians alike. He talks of how the churches in Haiti are very much like the 1st Century churches of the book of Acts. He meets many interesting people, from missionaries to pastors to kids being helped by various ministries in the country.