Sweet Undoings

Yanick Lahens' portrait of Haiti, Sweet Undoings, is a breathless intrigue that explores the city's violence and high-pitched sweetness through the voices of Brune, Pierre, Ézèchiel, Waner, and Ronny. The film moves with a rapid, electric syncopation, revealing the richness of the lives within.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing

Yanick Lahens takes us on a thrilling journey into the heart of Haiti with her latest portrait, "Sweet Undoings." Set in the vibrant city of Port-au-Prince, violence takes a backseat to a high-pitched sweetness that permeates every corner. As Francis, a French journalist, enjoys a night out at the Corossol Restaurant-Bar, he is captivated by the broken, rich voice of lounge singer Brune. Brune's father, Judge Berthier, was assassinated for his unwavering integrity in a city where everything is for sale. Six months after his disappearance, Brune remains in denial, unable to come to terms with the tragic event. Her uncle Pierre, a gay man who fled persecution abroad, is determined to solve the unpunished crime. Alongside Brune and Pierre, Francis encounters a diverse range of voices in Port-au-Prince, including Ézèchiel, a poet yearning to escape his miserable neighborhood; Waner, a diligent pacifist; and Ronny, an American who feels at home in Haiti as if it were his second homeland.

Drawing its strength from the depths of the city, "Sweet Undoings" unfolds with a rapid, electric syncopation, gradually unveiling the rich tapestry of lives within. Lahens masterfully captures the essence of Port-au-Prince, its vibrant energy, and the resilience of its people. Through the characters and their stories, the film explores themes of loss, justice, and the pursuit of truth in a society where corruption and violence reign supreme. "Sweet Undoings" is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find hope in the face of tragedy. It is a must-watch for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of a nation grappling with its past and its future.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 127 x 204 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646052158