Search - Breath, Eyes, Memory

Edwidge Danticat creates a cast of characters who epitomize the relationship, the connection, of mothers and daughters. This fast moving storyline takes the reader between Haiti and New York City and once again to Haiti for its dramatic conclusion. The author really captures the flavor of Haiti, its scenery, its people and the flavor of their lives. I love this book - it is truly beautifully written and I recommend it to everyone.

At the age of twelve, Sopie Caco is sent from her village in Haiti to live with her mother, whom she hardly remembers, in New York City. There she discovers secrets about her mother, her birth and her family.

An Oprah Book Club selection, this is a story that is both disturbing and inspiring. It gave me a lot of insight as to the lives of the women of Haiti.

Good writing. For example: "I come from a place where breath, eyes and memory are one, a place from which you carry your past like the hair on your head. Where women return to their children as butterflies or as tears in the eyes of the statues that their daughters pray to."

Danticat's writing style brings you right into the setting. You can see the people of Haiti, smell the smells, and feel the emotions of the characters.

Great book. I was not able to put it down.

I love about half of Oprah's picks. This is one of the good ones.