American Odyssey: Haitians in New York City

by Michel S. Laguerre

Caribbean immigrants have now become part of the social landscape of many American cities. Few studies, however, have treated in detail the process of their integration in American society. American Odyssey assesses the development and adaptation, in both human and socio-economic terms, of the Haitian immigrant community in three boroughs of New York City. An informed and well-rounded portrayal of a Caribbean community in New York, this book offers a fresh theoretical view of the structuring of urban ethnicity and provides the ethnographic background essential to understanding the problems of the Haitian population in the United States.

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good sociological analysis of the Haitian immigrant population in New York City during the 70s and 80s. Interesting to see how similar Laguerre's descriptions are to the Haitian populations in the United States today, 40 or 50 years later. Even though a lot in the book isn't exactly groundbreaking, it's cool seeing things like bolet discussed in an academic context like this. The sections on medical care and Haitian political life and anti-Duvalier movements in New York were particularly good.