Dancing in the Baron's Shadow: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Haiti, 1965. Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, is the impoverished island nation's brutal dictator. Relentless curfews, and Papa Doc's terrifying Tonton Macoutes militia, have made life in Port-au-Prince increasingly difficult for struggling taxi driver Raymond L'Eveill. But it is Raymond's brother, Nicolas, a wealthy professor at the local university, who is stirring up trouble. A secret manifesto penned by Nicolas is rallying opposition to Papa Doc. After a tip-off from a disgruntled student, Nicolas' home is raided and the manifesto discovered, landing him in Fort Dimanche, a notorious, disease-ridden prison many enter but few ever leave. Meanwhile, Raymond's wife leaves him, taking their children and escaping the island. With his family gone, Raymond gets himself arrested as part of a death-defying plan to break his brother out of jail.
Fabienne Josaphat's electric prose brings to life a horrifying and not so distant time in Haiti's past while exploring the best and worst of humanity. The novel examines power's tendency to corrupt, the impulse of nationalistic pride, and, above all, the human desire to survive, while describing in rigorous detail the shocking realities of life in the Baron's shadow.

Reviews

"Dancing in the Baron's Shadow takes us to hell and back, inside one of the most brutal prisons run by one of the world's most ruthless dictators. Fabienne Josaphat impressively brings to life a horrible period as well as the men and women who fought against it. Filled with life, suspense, and humor, this powerful first novel is an irresistible read about the nature of good and evil, terror and injustice, and ultimately triumph and love." -- Edwidge Danticat, author of Claire of the Sea Light "Dancing in the Baron's Shadow is an instant classic. The narrative is spellbinding--the work of a remarkable writer. This fully-realized novel is replete with three-dimensional characters; the imagery is vivid and palpable. Fabienne Josaphat has penned a fascinating and necessary addition to every fiction lover's library. As a bonus, this book opens a new window through which to view the unfathomable atrocities of the Duvalier dictatorship. Dancing in the Baron's Shadow is downright unforgettable." - Katia D. Ulysse, author of Drifting "Fabienne Josaphat has produced a rare novel that combines emotional substance and social significance with the all the qualities of an irresistible, page-turning thriller. To read Dancing in the Baron's Shadow is to carry Haiti in your heart forever." - Les Standiford, author of Water to the Angels

Author Bio

Fabienne Josaphat received her M.F.A. in creative writing from Florida International University. Dancing in the Baron's Shadow is her first novel. She lives in Miami.