Midnight at Noon (2nd Edition): A Novel of Resistance and Resilience in Haiti

by Ardain Isma

A gripping historical novel of oppression, resilience, and the fight for justice in rural Haiti.



Under the shadow of a brutal dictatorship, young Odilon is thrust into a world of corruption, oppression, and political turmoil when his brother is wrongfully arrested and killed. As poverty and power collide, he must decide whether to submit to fear or rise up against the system that seeks to silence him.



Set against the backdrop of rural Haiti, where lush landscapes mask the struggles of the marginalized, Midnight at Noon is a powerful story of class struggle, moral heroism, and the unbreakable spirit of resistance. Faced with the ruthless Chief Anakreyon, Odilon embarks on a journey that will test his courage and ignite the hopes of an oppressed people.

Perfect for readers who love historical fiction, political thrillers, and social justice novels, Midnight at Noon brings to life a compelling narrative of revolution, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.



For fans of Chinua Achebe, Edwidge Danticat, and Isabel Allende

A must-read for lovers of Caribbean historical fiction and novels about political resistance

A powerful and thought-provoking page-turner!



Order now and experience the courage that defies tyranny.

472 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2025

Reviews

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novel takes place in haithi.. a young man odilon whose brother is killed by local authorities. these local authorities are corrupt. now he seeks justice.

this novel is fascinating. this is not just a revenge story.
it tells us about modern day conflicts, social injustice and corruption which is unhealthy in a society.

I liked the force or rage in this writing. that is so original. and felt like coming from the heart.


loved this book.

[Oluwafunmilayo Adesina-Babalogbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight at Noon is a book with themes on colonialism, neo-colonialism, an examination of life under tyrannic leadership, and a quest by the oppressed to break free from the shackles. It is a story that centres around all these but still manages to relay a love story that burgeoned in uncertain times. This book reflects the challenges of political leadership in most third world countries. I loved how the book portrayed Haiti as a land of the brave, and a land so beloved it's citizens are willing to die for their convictions so it's future as a country would be progressive.

[Luis Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the sake of total transparency, I want to say, that I truly love Haiti and the Haitian people. I served two tours there in the US Embassy for a total of six years, ten years apart. The Haitian people are among the most noble, hard working and kind people in the world. That's why I wanted to read this book, and I really wanted to like the book. Isma's unique story has it all -- themes of resistance, resilience, class struggle, love, and the quest for justice, drawing readers into Haiti's rural countryside, the streets, the alleys of St. Louis du Nord and Port au Prince, all the struggles while highlighting its proud past and turbulent present (and undoubtedly its future.)
The descriptions of the rough life of rural Haiti was brilliantly portrayed, and the young man who is the main protagonist is really Haiti's everyman. His struggle for justice, and just to make a living and survive were poignantly described. The author is very passionate about the injustice and class struggles in Haiti and the blight of foreign influence. But the constant drone of Marxist dogma and doctrine as outlined by the heroic resistance fighters gets a bit overused.
Where I had an issue, and it was a big one, was suspending my sense of disbelief. Although, I found the military aspect quite fascinating, it was totally unbelievable. The Haitian Army/National Police do not have "divisions," do not have heavy artillery, rotary wing attack helicopters or scores of tanks. What the author was describing militarily was more akin to the scale of the war in Ukraine than in a potential revolution in Haiti.
Besides the struggle for survival and dignity, the best part of the book was the remarkable love story, touching and very well done. If you're looking for a singular, passionate, and unique piece of historical fiction set in the contemporary setting of strife torn Haiti, this is well worth your time.

[Ardain Isma Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ardain Isma’s Midnight at Noon (2nd Edition) is a richly imagined and powerful work of historical fiction that delves deep into the heart of Haiti’s struggles under systemic oppression. Set against the backdrop of rural Haiti during a brutal dictatorship, the novel follows Odilon, a young man whose life is irrevocably altered by the wrongful arrest and death of his brother. This personal tragedy propels him into a world where corruption, fear, and violence are constant companions, challenging him to confront injustice with courage and conviction.

Isma’s narrative is both evocative and compelling, blending the lush, often harsh landscapes of Haiti with the gritty realities of class struggle and political turmoil. Through Odilon’s journey, readers are invited to explore themes of resilience, moral heroism, and collective resistance. The author’s vivid prose brings nuance to the characters and illuminates the complexities of power, resistance, and hope in the face of adversity.

While rooted in historical context, Midnight at Noon transcends its setting to offer universal insights into the human spirit. It is a gripping and thought-provoking page-turner that will resonate with readers drawn to socially conscious fiction and stories of personal and communal triumph.

[Ti Dou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ardain Isma’s Midnight at Noon (2nd Edition): A Novel of Resistance and Resilience in Haiti is a powerful and deeply affecting story that illuminates the human cost of political oppression. Set during one of Haiti’s most turbulent eras, the novel follows ordinary citizens who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances as they confront violence, fear, and the heavy weight of authoritarian rule. Isma enriches the narrative with textured cultural detail and a profound understanding of Haiti’s social landscape.
What sets this second edition apart is the sharpened clarity and emotional depth Isma brings to the characters’ struggles. Their courage, heartbreak, and quiet acts of defiance paint a vivid portrait of resilience amid systemic injustice. The pacing is gripping, and the intertwined personal and political threads create a compelling, immersive experience.
Ultimately, Midnight at Noon is a moving tribute to the spirit of resistance—a novel that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact.

[M.A. Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odilon is seeking justice for the death of his brother, who was hit too hard while in custody and died. The author’s novel is rich in description, which conveys a paradise that parallels the poverty of the Haitian people. Here, we see Odilon’s strength, persistence, tenacity, power, perseverance, as well as stubbornness, which are all well portrayed. Life is a constant struggle, not only for Odilon but also for the people around him. It’s a story which we can all relate to in some shape or form: the rich vs the deprived. We rise from adversity, but we can also fall. If we don’t try for a better life, we will be left wondering what could have happened. If we fail, at least we can die knowing that we tried.

[Fifi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ardain Isma’s Midnight at Noon (2nd Edition) is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that captures the tension, courage, and unbreakable spirit of ordinary Haitians living under oppressive forces. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, the story follows characters whose personal struggles mirror the broader fight for justice and dignity. Isma’s prose is vivid and immersive, bringing Haiti’s landscapes and emotional undercurrents to life with stunning clarity. What elevates the novel is its blend of resistance and humanity—moments of fear are balanced with acts of hope, compassion, and quiet strength. This updated edition adds sharper detail and deeper resonance, making Midnight at Noon a compelling and necessary read about resilience in the face of unrelenting adversity.

[Ardy Isma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight at Noon is a stirring and immersive historical novel that follows Odilon, a young Haitian thrust into political turmoil after his brother’s wrongful death, as he navigates corruption, oppression, and the moral crossroads between fear and resistance under a brutal dictatorship; with rich depictions of class struggle, moral courage, and the unbreakable spirit of an oppressed people, the book delivers a compelling narrative of resilience, revolution, and the pursuit of justice in rural Haiti that will resonate with fans of socially driven historical fiction and stories of human tenacity.

[Swati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing like seriously!!!
After a while i read such book.
The themes of resistance and justice really made me reflect on courage in difficult situations.
I learnt many things from the book and how to stand up even it's not physically but we fight with our moral courage .
i just loved when Odilon decides to stand up against the oppressive system felt truly inspiring and powerful.Overall, Midnight at Noon is a thought of provoking and moving novel. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in stories of resilience, moral and justice.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight at Noon was a great read! It touches sensible and deep but very real topics making it an emotional but beautiful book.
The plot and the characters were so easy to connect to and like and it made me not want to put the book down!
The writting was impressive and the development of the story amazing.
I highly recommend this book!