You Were Watching from the Sand

You Were Watching from the Sand is a collection of Haitian stories that blend high lyricism, absurdist comedy, and Haitian cultural witticisms to explore the lives of men, women, and children who are cleaved by the strange. The stories are playful, kinetic, and devastating, reflecting the characters' oddities and their ability to find humor in difficult circumstances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Red Hen Press

You Were Watching from the Sand is a captivating collection that showcases the resilience and creativity of Haitian men, women, and children who navigate the complexities of their lives. Through a blend of playful, kinetic, and devastating elements, these individuals respond to the extraordinary with their own peculiarities.

In the poem "belly," a young woman abandoned by her sole living relative finds solace in creating a person from the mud beside her backyard creek. In "We Feel it in Punta Cana," a domestic child servant in the Dominican Republic escapes into his rich imagination to make his challenging circumstances more tolerable. In "The Oldest Sensation is Anger," a teenager invites a family friend of the same age into her apartment and uncovers a series of unsettling secrets about her.

Written with a mixture of high lyricism, absurdist comedy, and Haitian cultural witticisms, this collection captures the dynamic spirit of its characters at every turn. The poems seamlessly blend humor, tenderness, and profound insights into the human condition, offering a unique and powerful perspective on the lives of Haitians.

Through their oddities, these individuals refuse to be defined or limited by the circumstances they face. They use their imagination, humor, and cultural heritage to confront the absurdity of their lives and find moments of joy and meaning. You Were Watching from the Sand is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Haitian people, reminding us of the power of art to transform and uplift.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636281056