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Literary Fiction· Haiti

The Dew Breaker

by Edwidge Danticat
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2004English
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About This Book

Published in 2004, The Dew Breaker established Edwidge Danticat as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. The Dew Breaker is a powerful collection of interconnected stories that explore the lives of Haitian immigrants and their families, both in Haiti and the United States. The book delves into themes of trauma, memory, and redemption, centering around a man who was once a torturer in Haiti and is now living in Brooklyn. Danticat's narrative weaves together the personal and political, offering a poignant exploration of the Haitian diaspora and the lingering effects of violence. Themes of trauma, immigration, redemption run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorEdwidge Danticat
Published2004
Country of Origin🇭🇹 Haiti
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781400041152
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇭🇹 Haiti

This book is part of Haiti's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Haiti →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2004, Edwidge Danticat's The Dew Breaker is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with trauma, immigration, redemption, identity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Dew Breaker among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Dew Breaker lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of trauma, immigration, redemption, identity is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Dew Breaker reflects Edwidge Danticat's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Haiti's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20040
✍️
About the Author
Edwidge Danticat
Haiti
View Author →

Edwidge Danticat is a Haiti author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Dew Breaker about?

The Dew Breaker is a powerful collection of interconnected stories that explore the lives of Haitian immigrants and their families, both in Haiti and the United States. The book delves into themes of trauma, memory, and redemption, centering around a man who was once a torturer in Haiti and is now living in Brooklyn. Danticat's narrative weaves together the personal and political, offering a poignant exploration of the Haitian diaspora and the lingering effects of violence.

Who wrote The Dew Breaker?

The Dew Breaker was written by Edwidge Danticat, from Haiti. First published in 2004.

What awards has The Dew Breaker won?

The Dew Breaker has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Dew Breaker worth reading?

The Dew Breaker is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in trauma, immigration, redemption.

Where can I buy The Dew Breaker?

You can buy The Dew Breaker on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Dew Breaker?

The Dew Breaker is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Dew Breaker from?

The Dew Breaker originates from Haiti's literary tradition. Explore more books from Haiti on our country page.

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