51 pages • 1 hour read
Edwidge DanticatBrother, I'm Dying
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat alternates between the author’s past in Haiti and her present in the US, highlighting her family’s struggles and resilience. The memoir honors her father and uncle, detailing her uncle’s efforts to maintain peace amidst political chaos in Haiti and his tragic death after seeking asylum in the US, as well as her father’s declining health as she prepares for the birth of her first child. Sensitive topics include illness, political violence, forced migration, and death in detainment.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Edwidge Danticat's Brother, I'm Dying is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. Critics commend its intricate portrayal of family bonds and immigrant struggles, though some feel the narrative pace can be slow. Danticat's lyrical prose and evocative imagery resonate deeply, effectively capturing personal and political nuances.
Who Should Read Brother, I'm Dying?
Readers who appreciate deeply personal, immigrant narratives like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri or introspective memoirs such as When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi will be moved by Edwidge Danticat’s Brother, I'm Dying. Ideal for those interested in family dynamics, resilience, and Haitian-American experiences.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Immigration / Refugee
Society: Immigration
Relationships: Family
Afro-Caribbean Literature