The Kingdom of This World, written by Alejo Carpentier and originally published in 1949, traces events in 20th-century Haiti, beginning in the French colonial period and stretching through the lifetime of its protagonist, Ti Noël. This novella is a work of dark magical realism and tells the story of two attempted rebellions against the French, the eventual reign of King Henri Christophe, the nation’s first Black king, and his downfall. The human costs of slavery (under white and Black slave-owners), as well as the hopes and beliefs of Africans living in Haiti during these regime changes, is shown from Ti Noël’s perspective.

Alejo Carpentier's The Kingdom of This World masterfully intertwines magical realism with historical context, set against the backdrop of the Haitian Revolution. Critics praise its lyrical prose and rich cultural depiction, though some find the narrative structure challenging. Ultimately, it stands out for its vivid storytelling and profound thematic exploration.

A reader who would enjoy The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier appreciates magical realism and historical narratives. They are fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits, enjoying richly detailed settings and the blend of myth and reality.

Mysterious / Dark / Fantastical / Melancholic / Contemplative

Alejo Carpentier

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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The Kingdom Of This World Summary and Study Guide

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Preface

The Kingdom Of This World Preface Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Kingdom Of This World Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Kingdom Of This World Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

The Kingdom Of This World Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-7

The Kingdom Of This World Part 2, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 1-4

The Kingdom Of This World Part 3, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 5-7

The Kingdom Of This World Part 3, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 1-4

The Kingdom Of This World Part 4, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Kingdom Of This World Character Analysis

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Themes

The Kingdom Of This World Themes

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The Kingdom Of This World Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Kingdom Of This World Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Kingdom Of This World Essay Topics

The Kingdom Of This World

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