(Reviewed by JD Jung)
#CommissionsEarned
“Nowadays, in the cities, you’ve got to drink it all in, the honey and the bile. All in the same cup.”
Judge Raymond Berthier has just been murdered, and his nineteen-year-old daughter, Brune, is grieving as she tries to process it all. The same goes for her uncle, the pragmatic sixty-five-year-old Pierre, who, being gay, has lived in the shadows.
We follow the two, Brune’s friends and acquaintances, a French photojournalist, a law intern, and a young gangster as they navigate life in Port-au-Prince. Haiti is filled with beautiful beaches, non-stop clubs, and on the other hand, terrible corruption, and violent crime. Citizens constantly wonder if gunshots are from police or thugs.
As we seek to learn why the judge was murdered, we discover the many contradictions of Haiti. The author effectively paints a picture of romance, desire, and beauty, along with darkness, poverty, and anger. I found the multi-generational and multi-class view of life in this country fascinating.
Sweet Undoings is a poignant yet moving story that takes us through the lives of a people who maintain hope, along with a great sense of despair. Many dream of escaping to Europe, North or South America for a better life, or at least hope that their children do. Others come from abroad and find that they don’t want to leave.
I highly recommend Sweet Undoings for its captivating story and characters, exquisite prose, and unique setting.
