Duvalier's Ghosts

This book explores the writings of Haitian authors, revealing their critiques of U.S. interventions in Haiti and highlighting their roles in global social justice movements.

In Duvalier's Ghosts, Jana Evans Braziel engages with the urgent political landscape surrounding Haiti and its diaspora. This thought-provoking work delves into the narratives of several prominent Haitian-born authors, particularly focusing on their perspectives regarding U.S. interventions in their homeland. Through a careful examination of diasporic cultural texts, Braziel sheds light on how these writers contribute to transnational movements advocating for global social justice.

The book highlights the works of notable authors such as Edwidge Danticat and Dany Laferrière, illustrating how their fictional narratives address the complex dynamics of U.S. intervention in Haiti. Braziel discusses various methods employed by the U.S., including surveillance, foreign aid, and military involvement, all of which are met with skepticism and critique from the authors. Their literature serves as a powerful commentary on the reality that many Haitians do not welcome these intrusions, expressing their discontent with how Haitians are treated both domestically and abroad.

Moreover, Duvalier's Ghosts prompts readers to consider the broader implications of instability and violence in smaller nations like Haiti within the context of international financial and military systems. Braziel makes a compelling case for interpreting these literary works as anti-imperialist, offering valuable insights into the reasons behind the negative perceptions that Haitians and Haitian exiles often hold toward the U.S.