Haitian-American voices at Miami Book Fair spotlight English-language Haitian literature

Overview:
Haitian and Haitian-American authors are increasingly prominent at the Miami Book Fair, reflecting the growing visibility and linguistic expansion of Haitian literature across the diaspora.

Haitian and Haitian American writers say the rise of English-language literature marks a significant shift in diaspora identity and expression.

Edwidge Danticat remembers the skepticism she encountered at the beginning of her career three decades ago.

“It was so strange to some people that you could call yourself a Haitian writer and write in English,” Danticat said. 

At the time, she only knew of one other Haitian author who wrote in English, and one who wrote in Spanish—most Haitian authors published in French or Creole. “There was so much discussion about where we fit in,” she said. 

In the years that have passed since the publication of her acclaimed debut novel “Breath, Eyes, Memory” in 1994, the number and visibility of Haitian writers publishing in English has grown significantly. 

This week, Danticat is one of several Haitian English-language writers featured at the Miami Book Fair, one of the country’s largest literary gatherings, organized by Miami Dade College.

Read what I had to say about this and the rest of the article over at The Haitian Times: https://haitiantimes.com/2025/11/19/haitian-american-voices-miami-book-fair-2025/