Edwidge Danticat's The Farming of Bones is lauded for its lyrical prose and poignant depiction of the 1937 Haitian massacre in the Dominican Republic. Reviewers praise the emotional depth and historical insight but note its harrowing content may be overwhelming for some readers. The narrative's slow pace receives mixed feelings, with some finding it immersive and others, lingering.

The ideal reader for Edwidge Danticat’s The Farming of Bones deeply appreciates historical fiction that explores themes of identity, resilience, and human rights. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Toni Morrison's Beloved will find similar immersive storytelling and emotional depth.

The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat, published in 1998, is set in the Dominican Republic during the late 1930s and follows Amabelle Désir, an orphan and servant to Señora Valencia. After delivering Señora Valencia’s twin babies, Amabelle learns her lover Sebastien’s friend was killed by a car. As political tensions rise, Amabelle flees to Haiti with Yves, enduring danger and injury, only to discover they survived a massacre. The book contains depictions of violence, systemic oppression, and loss.

Edwidge Danticat

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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The Farming Of Bones Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3 

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 1-3  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-30  

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 28-30   Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-33

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-36

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 34-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-39

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 37-39 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 40-41

The Farming Of Bones Chapters 40-41 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Farming Of Bones Character Analysis

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Themes

The Farming Of Bones Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Farming Of Bones Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Farming Of Bones Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The Farming Of Bones

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