Danticat, Edwidge

Born in Haiti, in 1969, writer Edwidge Danticat is renowned for her literary works, including novels and short stories, periodical articles, a Haitian travel book, a memoir, and two children's books. As one of only a small number of Haitians who write in English, which is not her native language, her controversial social commentaries describe life in Haiti.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and has a long history of colonial exploitation, political turmoil, and more recently exploitation through globalization. Writing through her own experiences, interviews, and her insightful understanding of sociopolitical issues related to oppression, race, and gender, her work gives voice to Haitians in living in Haiti and abroad.

The daughter of working class parents, André and Rose Danticat, who had both ...