Romulus

by Fernand Hibbert

En 1883, Quatre-vingt-dix exilés politiques conduits par Boyer Bazelais, chef du Parti Libéral, débarquent à Miragoâne avec l’espoir de soulever le pays et de renverser le Président Salomon. S’ensuit un siège de dix mois au cours duquel les deux tiers d’entre eux, ainsi qu’une grande partie de la population de Miragoâne, périssent. Vingt-cinq ans après les faits, le romancier miragoânais Fernand Hibbert, s’appuyant sur divers témoignages, dépeint la défense héroïque des assiégés.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1908

Reviews

[Kurtis T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recently translated by a friend of mine (who is on Goodreads, Matt Robertshaw) so I felt like I had to pick it up! How else would i have known about a previously out of print piece of Haitian literature!

I'll admit, a lot of what I pulled from the story comes from my understanding of Haitian history, which I only know the cliff notes of (because of a discussion with Matt before reading) and I think that context was very important. I do however think there's something here for everyone, and if unfamiliarity with Haiti is a deterrent, it's a very interesting place to learn about! More than anything the book is a snapshot of a certain period of time. Of peoples thought process when faced with change, where allegiances lie, the future of a developing nation and how it factors into the minds of rebels, police, and industrialists.

This was one of my first forays into reading some worldly literature, and it's a journey I look forward to taking again in the future!

[Ian Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good translation of the novella by the famous Haitian author, journalist and diplomat Fernand Hibbert. It is a real contribution to understanding how advanced and literate Haiti was during its golden period at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It would be a good addition to the curriculum of any college-level course on literature written originally in French by writers outside of France.

[Purple Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my kind of book, too much battle, etc. It might be interesting to compare the story to historical accounts of the siege, however.