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For Whom the Dogs Spy: Haiti: From the Duvalier Dictatorships to the Earthquake, Four Presidents, and Beyond
When the 2010 earthquake struck Haiti, Raymond Joseph, the former Haitian ambassador to the United States, found himself rushing back to his beloved country. The earthquake ignited a passion in Joseph, inspiring him to run for president against great competition, including two well-known Haitian pop stars, his nephew Wyclef Jean and Michel Martelly. But he couldn’t compete in a democratic system corrupt to the core.
Joseph’s insider’s account—having served four presidents—explores the country’s unfolding democracy. He unearths the hidden stories of Haiti’s cruel dictators, focusing on the tyranny of François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who used the legend of voodoo to bewitch the country into fearing him.
Joseph’s terrifying experiences while infiltrating the father-son regime are chilling. Threatened by Duvalier’s budding gestapo-like police, Joseph sought sanctuary in America. His grueling experience in Haitian politics gave him a unique outlook on international affairs, and he excelled in his ambassadorial career in the United States.
Deep personal knowledge of politics allows Joseph to speak candidly about Haitian history. Readers will be surprised at how important the country of Haiti has been in global (and especially American) history. In this decades-spanning work, he challenges common misconceptions about Haiti. The country is rarely referenced without a mention of it being the “poorest in the Western Hemisphere,” a reductive label unfit for summarizing its rich history. There is no discussion around Haitian history beyond the war of independence. In For Whom the Dogs Spy , Raymond Joseph provides a compelling, modern-day look at Haiti like no other.
With this book, Ambassador Raymond Joseph warns readers about Haiti’s current political leaders’ attempts to impose a new dictatorship. His hope is that Haiti can right itself despite the destruction it has suffered at the hands of man and nature.
Joseph’s insider’s account—having served four presidents—explores the country’s unfolding democracy. He unearths the hidden stories of Haiti’s cruel dictators, focusing on the tyranny of François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who used the legend of voodoo to bewitch the country into fearing him.
Joseph’s terrifying experiences while infiltrating the father-son regime are chilling. Threatened by Duvalier’s budding gestapo-like police, Joseph sought sanctuary in America. His grueling experience in Haitian politics gave him a unique outlook on international affairs, and he excelled in his ambassadorial career in the United States.
Deep personal knowledge of politics allows Joseph to speak candidly about Haitian history. Readers will be surprised at how important the country of Haiti has been in global (and especially American) history. In this decades-spanning work, he challenges common misconceptions about Haiti. The country is rarely referenced without a mention of it being the “poorest in the Western Hemisphere,” a reductive label unfit for summarizing its rich history. There is no discussion around Haitian history beyond the war of independence. In For Whom the Dogs Spy , Raymond Joseph provides a compelling, modern-day look at Haiti like no other.
With this book, Ambassador Raymond Joseph warns readers about Haiti’s current political leaders’ attempts to impose a new dictatorship. His hope is that Haiti can right itself despite the destruction it has suffered at the hands of man and nature.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 22, 2020
In all fairness, this is more of a political memoir than a history book. I'm not sure it attempted to be otherwise. Joseph does paint himself as if he's the only untainted one in a highly corrupted environment, but for all I know, that could in fact be true. Anyone acquainted with Haitian politics knows corruption runs very deep.
From a simple story perspective, it was captivating hearing of his own efforts at undermining the Duvalier dictatorships, and working his way up through the ranks afterwards. Of course there are very few audiobooks available about Haiti that aren't just about the earthquake, so this has been the best history book I've found on the island nation yet myself.
Incidentally I reached out to some of my Haitian friends after finishing the book, and was told 1) that according to the father of one friend, the Papa Doc era was better because at least there was order and a strong economy, and 2) according to someone currently living there, the country seems to be sinking lower and lower with each passing year. It almost makes one wonder if "democratic" government was rushed before the electorate was ready for it. Of course there's always much more to the story.
The biggest strengths of this book are that it provides a rare glimpse into the perspective of a deeply involved Haitian political actor over the last half century plus. The biggest weaknesses are that it shows only his perspectives, through the lens of his values, and the experiences he was able to bring to the table.
Could have been an even more captivating book, but rating 5 stars because I've not found the equivalent in perspective, regarding Haiti or anyone else.
From a simple story perspective, it was captivating hearing of his own efforts at undermining the Duvalier dictatorships, and working his way up through the ranks afterwards. Of course there are very few audiobooks available about Haiti that aren't just about the earthquake, so this has been the best history book I've found on the island nation yet myself.
Incidentally I reached out to some of my Haitian friends after finishing the book, and was told 1) that according to the father of one friend, the Papa Doc era was better because at least there was order and a strong economy, and 2) according to someone currently living there, the country seems to be sinking lower and lower with each passing year. It almost makes one wonder if "democratic" government was rushed before the electorate was ready for it. Of course there's always much more to the story.
The biggest strengths of this book are that it provides a rare glimpse into the perspective of a deeply involved Haitian political actor over the last half century plus. The biggest weaknesses are that it shows only his perspectives, through the lens of his values, and the experiences he was able to bring to the table.
Could have been an even more captivating book, but rating 5 stars because I've not found the equivalent in perspective, regarding Haiti or anyone else.
March 15, 2015
A fascinating look at recent Haitian history from the inside. Joseph is somewhat self-serving at times- he almost always comes out as the good guy or the only one who understands what is happening. Nevertheless his account matches up with other accounts I have read. It was disheartening to read that Michael Martelly is following down the same path as the Duvaliers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews