TASTE OF SALT: A Story of Modern Haiti

by Frances Temple ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1992

Incidents in Haiti's turbulent recent history are seen through the eyes of two Port-au-Prince teenagers in a poignant (doubly so, considering subsequent events) first novel. Djo and Jeremie are both from the slums. Djo ""almost went to school,"" spent years living with and helping the revolutionary priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and now lies in a clinic, badly injured after a firebombing. Jeremie, an honor student, has been moved to sit at Djo's bedside, listen to his story, and later, when he falls into a coma, tell hers. Though the two have very different personalities--cheerful Djo sees the world as a simple place; Jeremie finds it full of shadows and uncertainty--they've both seen grinding poverty, survived bloody Macoute attacks, and fervently support the newly elected Aristide; both hope for a brighter future. In voodoo lore, a pinch of salt can give a zombie self-awareness and escape; here, Temple offers such a taste while celebrating the revolutionary movement that has given the Haitian people a taste of escape from oppression.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1992

ISBN: 0064471365

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Orchard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1992

Categories: CHILDREN'S