Books

In the eighteenth century, Haiti was the richest colony in the new world. This aristocracy, however, dwindled as years went by and the slaves were finally able to exact their freedom. In the present day, lives of the Haitian peasants have become harder and harder. The political battles of the capital alone leave no respite for the poor, pitting one group against another while usurping a large percentage of the foreign aid. The number of kidnappings for ransom have continued to rise and one natural disaster after another strikes the poor land every few years.

However, despite all the turmoil and unrest, many Haitians in the countryside are intensely spiritual, and will always put goodness above their own personal interest, as has been taught to them generation after generation. Lacking basic education, Haitians depend upon wisdom passed down from the wise elders. The stories in this book, accumulated and eye-witnessed by the author, are testament to this fact.

“Since 1994, Dr. Arthur Fournier has been working directly in Haiti to improve health care in the Caribbean nation. His new, beautifully crafted book—the third of his trilogy on Haiti—presents the contemporary crises of a country as the people fight on in a determined, creative fashion. Fournier deeply admires, and has directly impacted, the hope and resolve of the Haitian people.”

Michael J. LaRosa, Associate Professor of History, Rhodes College (Memphis)

 “Dr Arthur Fournier’s latest book on Haiti, his third, is a page turner, highlighting the author’s intimate knowledge of the language and the culture of that country acquired after 200 trips there.”

Dr. Michel Dodard, Professor Emeritus, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

“Dr. Fournier's insights into the complexities of modern Haiti are remarkable!”

Dr. Larry Pierre, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Center for Haitian Studies